WHEN WE EXERCISE AND EAT WELL, WE FEEL MENTALLY BETTER TOO. FOLLOW SOME OF OUR EXPERTS’ TIPS FOR STAYING AT YOUR BEST THIS SUMMER AND BEYOND
expert tips
1 Consistency is more important than perfection
“The key to feeling fit on a long term basis really is in consistency. Consistent routines and habits aren’t easy to switch with a click of a finger, so start small. When I was first getting into yoga, I’d make sure that no matter what was going on in my life I’d go to at least one yoga session per week.
This soon extended to two-three times per week and now I do yoga pretty much every day. Allow yourself to start small and most importantly to show up! Even doing something for one minute each day is such a great starting point – then you can slowly build on this as it becomes more normal for you.”
Georgia, founder of Sancti Retreats, sancti.co.uk
2 Eat more herbs and spices
”They have been used for hundreds of years to help relieve stress, boost energy and aid digestion.
My go-to healing spices include turmeric for its anti-inflammatory, liver-cleansing and antioxidant benefits (try mixing it with a mug of warm almond milk and honey). Cayenne pepper is brilliant for its endorphin and metabolism-boosting benefits and I always keep cumin and ginger in stock for satisfying the taste buds and calming an anxious tummy. You can also try making your own ginger and lemon tea or add fresh ginger juice to your morning smoothie. For those who struggle with spices, try topping up levels with a supplement such as the Together Health Curcumin & Turmeric Complex, £9.99.”
Lola Biggs, registered dietician at natural health supplement brand Together Health
3 Boost endorphins to get motivated
”Perceived energy can be boosted by taking daily exercise, such as brisk walking, dancing or gym classes. This creates endorphin chemicals in the brain, which make us feel more positive.
Support your active lifestyle by choosing food and drinks rich in polyphenols that aid blood vessel function, such as colourful fruits and vegetables, orange juice, tea, and dark chocolate.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, dietitian at Health and Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS)
4 Be bold, do weights!
”2 in 5 women have avoided exercising because men make them feel uncomfortable at the gym, be that in the form of staring, standing too close, insisting on helping someone who doesn’t need it, or making comments about someone’s body or form.
But here’s the thing: lifting isn’t just for men, even if the weights section at your gym makes you feel that way. Weight trai
