With Summer being around the corner, most women have embarked on the #teamsummerbody wave – in which they get their bodies looking right for the sunny season. Whist there is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, we should remember that our bodies are temples and need to be taken care of daily despite the time of the year.  So #teamsummerbody should be replaced with #teamlifestylebody or better yet #teamhealthylifestyle.

We can incorporate practical tips in our day to day lives to ensure that we are living a healthy and active lifestyle that will have beneficial effects to our physical body – not only outwardly but internally too. This will also not allow us to go into panic mode when summer arrives and go through drastic measures to be our goal body size/shape.

Here are some tips:

1. Be Active

We should do at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every day and  do some strength exercises on two or more days a week that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms). This will help us maintain our body weight or lose weight. Also, it helps strengthen our bones and muscles required for daily movement. Check out the NHS website for more physical activity tips.

2. Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables everyday

It is recommended that we eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day? How many of us actually do so?…Be free, no condemnation (lol). Fruits and vegetables are generally low in calories but most importantly contain important vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin C and potassium that are essential for good bodily function.  Eating fruits and veggies daily can reduce risk of developing certain diseases. Though we have faith that we will not develop such diseases – it is scriptural that faith without works is dead- so we need to do our part and make sure we include these in our diet.

3.  Cut down on fatty and sugary foods

We should cut down the amount of fatty foods and sugar we consume. Foods like like biscuits, crisps, cream, butter, sweets, chocolates and fizzy drinks should be consumed sparingly. Regular consumption of these foods can lead to weight gain, obesity, increase cholesterol levels in the blood and heighten risks of type 2 diabetes. I know sometimes we have cravings, but we are more than our cravings. We have the power to overcome them and make healthier food choices. Instead of eating a bar of chocolate – have a pot of yogurt with some nuts and fruits.

4. Don’t skip breakfast

Do not skip breakfast…unless you are fasting (lol). I’m sure you’ve heard the term that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, it is is. A healthy breakfast is an important part of a balanced diet, and includes vitamins and minerals we need for optimal health.  Studies have even shown those who eat breakfast regularly are less likely to be overweight.

5. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for our overall health. We should be drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid a day – this includes water, fruit juices/smoothies, tea, milk. However, water is the healthiest and cheapest option! Drinking water helps us maintain a healthy weight, combats fatigue, lowers high blood pressure and gives our skin that extra glow.