5 WAYS TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR SUMMER

Moving your body, breathing well, eating kiwi fruits and drinking better coffee will do wonders for your body and energy levels.

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We all feel more lively, happy and healthy during summer – but here’s how you can keep that feeling going all year long. All it takes is five steps...

1. TAKE AN EARLY WALK
Light in the morning is one of the best ways to boost energy throughout the day. Plus, it might help you to control your weight.

Research from North-western University in the US found that the more light people were exposed to between 6am and 9am, the lower their BMI (body mass index). They don’t know for certain why this occurs, but it may be related to lower levels of appetite hormones.



2. BREATHE
You do it thousands of times a day, but are you doing it right? Only 21% of the air we breathe is oxygen, so we need to breathe well to maximise intake, says breathing expert Caroline Kremer.

Most of us breathe too shallowly, so a few times a day, Caroline suggests this exercise: Purse your lips and slowly exhale fully by gently blowing out. At the bottom of the breath, pause, then let your body just breathe in deeply. Repeat for 1–2 minutes.

 “Only 21% of the air we breathe is oxygen, so we need to breathe well.”

3. SWAP SANDWICHES FOR SALADS
This is one of Dr John Briffa’s top tips in his book A Great Day At The Office. “Sensitivity to wheat frequently manifests as fatigue,” he explains.

“If you’re knocked out in the afternoon, it might be the sandwich you had at lunch.” For the next few days, avoid bread midday and see what happens to your afternoon energy. Go for fresh salads and low-carb options instead.



4. EAT TWO KIWI FRUITS
Researchers at New Zealand’s University of Otago found that doing so boosted mood and energy in a group of healthy folk.

It’s thought to be related to the high vitamin C content. According to biochemist Prof Margreet Vissers, vitamin C helps activate enzymes in the body that produce energy.

5. FAT-FUEL YOUR COFFEE
There’s no doubt that coffee wakes you up, but it can cause an energy crash a few hours later. “Adding fat to coffee helps stop that jittery feeling it can cause and prevents energy lows,” says holistic health guru Paul Chek.

Milk won’t work because it contains sugar, so try a teaspoon of coconut oil, unsalted butter or ghee. It’s an acquired taste, but some people love it!

Images: Shutterstock Unsplash