IN Good Health

Feeling sluggish after the winter and want to make sure you enjoy summer? We’ve got some tips which will have you bouncing into the rest of the year.


The sun is out, the weather is starting to warm up and the weekends are glorious enough that you just want to get out and move about. But what if you’ve let yourself go a little and are finding it hard to kick that sluggishness which winter can bring on?


Adam Hansen believes that health is our greatest asset and as such we should make it a priority in our lives. The naturopath, personal trainer and masseur says without good health so many other things in our life will be much harder to achieve and enjoy – including an active summer.


“So many people forget that our bodies function optimally when we give them the best ingredients,” Adam says. “Fresh, nutritious food, water and exercise, as well as non-toxic relationships are all important foundations for making sure the body is in great shape.


“During winter, when the weather is bad, it’s easy to ease up or forget exercise altogether and spend plenty of time on the couch. Cooler temperatures also mean we tend to go for lots of starchy and carbohydrate-heavy foods which, without adequate exercise, can stack on the kilos.”


If you’re keen to put some enthusiasm back into your step and get your health back on track after winter’s hibernation, Adam suggests these six tips:
Get out in the sun:


Get out in the sun: Your body needs a minimum of 15 minutes of sun exposure on your face and arms three times a week to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D. This little vitamin also acts as a hormone which plays a vital role in shedding those winter kilos. Don’t forget to be sun smart though.


Detox your liver: During the winter months we tend to consume more comfort foods which tend to be higher in fat and sugar, all of which make the liver work harder. To give your liver a helping hand and fire your metabolism, eat plenty of broccoli, carrots and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Your liver will love you for it.


Drink more water: Being locked away indoors all winter, we tend not to be as thirsty but our bodies still require plenty of water. Consume 6 – 8 glasses a day and an extra litre for every hour of exercise. Once you’re hydrated, many common ailments like headaches, constipation, muscle stiffness and fatigue will disappear.


Get a massage: If you’ve just started exercising to get in shape for summer or suffer stress, having a massage can be a life saver. Massage calms the mind, reduces physical and emotional stress, removes those stubborn knots, boosts immunity and increases joint mobility.


Move more: If you’re not a great exerciser, start with regular daily walks. Thirty minutes will do but consistency is the key. The more often you go, the faster you’ll get and the further you’ll walk. Plus those chestnuts like parking your car a little further from the office or the shops easily put more movement into your life.


Up for a challenge: Want a real boost for your health and well-being? Give up processed sugar for a month and see what happens. It can be a miracle if you’re tired, fatigued, overweight and always sick. The items you’ll need to lock away are cakes, chocolate, most types of bread, lollies, ice cream, pastries, soft drinks, cordials, alcohol and most other processed, sweetened foods. If you need sweeteners, experiment with Stevia or agave syrup, snack on fresh dates and make your own sorbet for a sweet treat. There are plenty of sugar-free treat recipes and ideas on the net.