Here are my top three tips to help you get and stay healthy this springtime.
The weather is warming up so now is the perfect time to step out of that stuffy gym and start exercising outdoors. So go for a hike in the woods or a run in the park. The uneven terrain and wind resistance will make you work harder and burn more calories than you would on the treadmill, but the green environment will actually make your workout feel less strenuous.
- Half a scoop of protein powder. Chocolate is my flavour of choice; I love the way it tastes against the raspberries.
- One teaspoon of peanut butter. I use a peanut spread made with 95% peanuts and no butter.
- One or two teaspoons of pure honey.
- ½ inch piece of fresh ginger or a pinch of ground ginger (optional, if you want a bit of an extra kick).
- One tablespoon of ground almonds. Or any nut, really.
- Two heaped tablespoons of natural yoghurt. Milk and soya milk also work as good alternatives.
- A splash of pure fruit juice such as orange or mango.
- Optional: to make it more filling, add half a sliced banana or a small pear.
1. Start
Every Day With a Detoxifying Drink
As
soon as you wake up, drink a glass of lukewarm water with the juice
of half a lemon. This will kick-start your metabolism for the day, give your
immune system a boost, aid your digestion and
cleanse your whole body by helping your liver to flush toxins out of your system. It'll
also give you energy without the mid-morning crash caused by
caffeine.
2. Get
Outside
The weather is warming up so now is the perfect time to step out of that stuffy gym and start exercising outdoors. So go for a hike in the woods or a run in the park. The uneven terrain and wind resistance will make you work harder and burn more calories than you would on the treadmill, but the green environment will actually make your workout feel less strenuous.
Nature
gives us a sense of wellbeing so it's also great for your mental
health. Studies show that even a ten-minute walk outside can
significantly improve your mood. I always return from a
good walk or run with a completely different mindset from the one I
set out with. It really clears your head and gives you a double hit of the happy hormone serotonin - one from the workout and one from the sunshine.
So
get outside, breathe in the fresh air and top up your vitamin D
levels (vital for strong bones) while you work out and you'll get
fitter faster.
3. Try
My Post Workout Berry Boost Protein Smoothie
When
you get back from that amazing outdoor workout, you'll need to give
those tired muscles a helping hand to recover. Whizz up this
protein-packed, nutrient-dense smoothie to replenish your body's
stores. (The measurements are not set in stone so feel free to add more or less of each ingredient according to your personal taste.)
You
will need:
- Two
handfuls of raspberries. Strawberries are also great. Use both if
you want!- Half a scoop of protein powder. Chocolate is my flavour of choice; I love the way it tastes against the raspberries.
- One teaspoon of peanut butter. I use a peanut spread made with 95% peanuts and no butter.
- One or two teaspoons of pure honey.
- ½ inch piece of fresh ginger or a pinch of ground ginger (optional, if you want a bit of an extra kick).
- One tablespoon of ground almonds. Or any nut, really.
- Two heaped tablespoons of natural yoghurt. Milk and soya milk also work as good alternatives.
- A splash of pure fruit juice such as orange or mango.
- Optional: to make it more filling, add half a sliced banana or a small pear.
Throw
everything in a blender and blitz until smooth. If it's too thick,
add some water and keep blending until you achieve your desired
consistency.
Have
a happy, healthy spring!