10 instant health boosts

8 July 2014 by
First published: 14 March 2014

Getting healthy doesn’t need to be confusing. Just in case you need a little help making the right choices, here are our top ten tips to boost your health without the fuss.

1. Drink water
Probably the easiest and cheapest way to keep your health in check. The clear stuff keeps us hydrated, which is important for every single bodily function! It gives us energy, keeps hair and skin healthy and is essential when it comes to maintaining an optimal metabolism.

2. Eat leafy greens
Kale, spinach and broccoli are among some of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Loading up on these will instantly fill your body with vitamins and minerals. Check out more about supergreens powders here!

3. Supplement with vitamin D
The sunshine vitamin is hard to come by if you don’t live in paradise, and unfortunately isn’t as easy to come by in foods as other vitamins. Take a high-quality supplement to benefit from better moods and stronger bones.

4. Ditch sugar
This refined stuff causes weight gain, heart disease and energy slumps. Steer clear of it – especially fizzy drinks – and opt for low-GI foods instead.

5. Be prepared
Preparation is key when it comes to sticking to a healthy diet. Cook healthy meals in batches and freeze them for convenience. This way you’ll be less likely to use ‘no time’ as an excuse to indulge.

6. Break the lazy habit
One of the easiest ways to burn calories is to be less lazy. We can all do it: take the stairs, take walkable distances by foot and try to sit less. And try these tips for finding the motivation to do it!

7. Make time for sleep
Don’t neglect rest if you want to be healthier. Your body does its reparation in your sleep and releases essential growth hormones, too. We heart rest days as much as a workout! Find out if you need a rest day here.

8. Do something that makes you happy
Whether it’s a relaxing yoga class or a full body massage, do something for yourself that makes you happy. It’ll help you unwind and might be just what your overworked body needs.

9. Go for high-protein meals
Make sure each of your meals features a healthy helping of protein. From chicken to chickpeas, protein will help you stay fuller for longer, meaning those pesky cravings will be kept at bay.

10. Read more
Stimulate your brain by tucking into a good read. It’ll boost your mental health by giving you a brief escape from your hectic world. Research from the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading a book can help you chillax.