Spring is the perfect time to give your health the kick-start it needs after a sluggish winter. Researchers have found that during winter a whopping 44% of Australians pile on up to 5 kilos of excess weight. During the warmer months our bodies naturally crave lighter meals. By making a number of small adjustments and including more fresh produce in our meals and exercising regularly, you can significantly improve your wellbeing. Expert scientist Sheila Zhou shares some of her expert health hacks:
Rest up.
The first step is to improve your sleeping routine. Turning the air conditioner on right before bed can help you fall asleep faster; the cool temperature mimics the body’s drop in temperature as it prepares for sleep. By setting a timer to increase the temperature before your alarm, you’re allowing your body to wake up by itself. This more gentle way of waking up allows your body to naturally obtain the right amount of rest it requires.
Limit the snacks.
Daylight savings is great for those of us who love having the extra hour of daylight but this can have a major effect on your daily routine. By staying awake longer, we are tempted to indulge in some late night treats. To ensure you don’t reach for the fattening leftover pizza or chocolate bars, Sheila Zhou recommends stocking up on healthier snacks that will satisfy cravings such as USANA’s Berry Nutty Nutrition Bars.
Get Active. Get time smart.
Exercise is another crucial element to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For those who are time poor, Zhou suggests sneaking in a morning workout. Do this by simply wearing your workout gear to bed. This will help you get out the door faster without sacrificing your sleep. Couple this with some great recipes and you’ll be back on track in no time. Fuss-free recipes are easy to find and are perfect for those of us with a hectic schedule. Try looking for healthy options that incorporate ingredients rich in carotenoids, Vitamin A & E and Omega 3.
Beware of hidden sugars!
Who doesn’t love a nice cold smoothie on a hot day? Unfortunately these in addition to other favourites such as frozen slurpees and iced teas are loaded with an excessive amount of sugar. Try replacing them with iced water and lemon or USANA’s Nutrimeal.
Look after your body.
Following months of cool weather, our bodies will often struggle to keep our immune system in balance. It is important to keep your immune system in good working order to help support and maintain a healthy functioning system all year round. USANA’s Proglucamune tablets together with booster foods such as raw garlic and carrots can help supplement your healthier lifestyle.
For more information and to view the full range of these products visit USANA.
