Christmas summer holidays are just around the corner, which means there is going to be cocktails, beers, pavlova and chocolate! We know it can be a struggle to maintain your level of fitness and stay healthy with all the festivities going on. Here are Jenna and Renee from Real Health NZ with tips to help you sneak in a little more nutrients and movement, whilst still enjoying everything that the summer season is all about!
Water, water & water!
With a few extra drink options, it’s so easy to forget to drink enough water. Keeping hydrated is important for your health as it helps to flush out toxins, keeps your energy levels high and helps your skin glow. When we’re dehydrated our skin can feel dry and dull, it’s harder to concentrate, our muscles cramp up and everything is more difficult. Always do your best to keep water as your main drink. Buy yourself a big 1.5 litre drinking bottle and make a conscious effort to drink at least two bottles each day, always have a glass of water after every meal and get into the herbal teas. Your body will love you for it.
Daily green juice
Kick start your day with a green juice. This is the perfect way to make sure you’re packing in some vitamins and minerals before 10am. Green juice helps the body to detoxify, eliminates waste and regulates blood sugar levels. Getting into the green juice habit is one of the greatest health choices you can make.
TIP:
Try this easy recipe by blending all these yummy ingredients together and enjoy!
150g of fresh spinach leaves, 1 banana, 5 cubes of ice, 1/2 green apple and coconut water. Yum!
Get active with your family
There is nothing like a family game on Christmas day or when holidaying at the beach. It’s an awesome way to connect with each other, have a laugh and get in some movement. Play some backyard cricket, beach volleyball, Marco Polo, go for a family walk or bike ride. There are so many fun, free ways to get active with your family and it’s often when the best memories are made.
Short workouts
15-20 minutes is all you need to work up a good sweat and get that body moving. Why not leave the long cardio sessions and give a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout a go? HIIT workouts are perfect for when you’re short on time and are amazing for increasing your fitness level. HIIT workouts also boost your metabolism, meaning you’ll keep burning calories long after the workout! If HIIT doesn’t sound like you, jump on the mat for 15 minutes of yoga or stretching. Remember that any movement is better than no movement and every little bit counts.
Make fruit your friend
When you feel like you need something sweet, opt for some of the amazing summer fruits on offer rather than reaching for the cake. Around summer, eat pineapples, watermelon, strawberries and grapes, just to name a few. They’re all delicious and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. You’ll get the sweetness you’re after along with some nourishing benefit.
Moderation
Life’s too short not to enjoy a champagne breakfast and Christmas pudding with your loved ones. Remember, you are on holiday and you deserve to treat yourself here and there without feeling guilty. It’s all about moderation and balance. We always say to our clients that it’s what you do every day that matters, not what you do every once and a while.
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