Women’s health hacks: Giving your body what it needs on the go
Pressed for time? Here are some tips to help you stay in control of your health.
Women wear many hats on a daily basis – from mother to wife, career woman to daughter, best friend to trusted advisor. No wonder many women consider “multitasking” their middle name.
But having to accomplish the responsibilities that come with these multiple roles can take a toll on your health, especially if you are always up and about. So how can you ensure you’re living a healthy life even when you have limited time and are always on the go? Read on.
1. Plan your morning meals
Breakfast is called “the most important meal of the day” for good reason. It kick-starts your metabolism and gives you the energy to get on with your day. Plan your meals for the entire week so you don’t have to think about what to eat during mad-rush mornings. Keep it quick, easy and hearty: a bowl of oatmeal, milk and sliced fruits; a fruit and yoghurt smoothie; or multigrain bread with avocado.
2. Soak in some sunshine vitamins
There doesn’t seem to be much incentive to sweat it out in this consistently humid tropical climate, but exposure to natural sunlight is important for getting your essential dose of vitamin D. Unlike other vitamins typically found in foods, vitamin D is produced in the skin by exposure to sunlight. So find at least 15 minutes a day to soak in the sun’s rays, as vitamin D is important for strong bones (it helps your body absorb calcium) and plays a vital role against depression and chronic diseases. So make sure to get out of the office at lunch or during your coffee break to soak up a few rays, and spend at least a few hours outdoors – for a stroll, a cycle or a swim – over the weekends.
3. Get a quick calcium fix
Everyone knows you need calcium for strong bones and to maintain proper heart, nerve and muscle function, yet many of us simply aren’t getting enough of it. Add the fact that after 30 you begin to lose bone mass – but won’t experience any osteoporosis symptoms or pain until a fracture occurs – it’s clear that you need to start prevention now.
Anlene UHT makes preventing weak bones easy! Its compact size takes up little space in your desk drawer or handbag, so no matter how busy you are, you’ll always be able to get your calcium at the office or on the go. The new Anlene formulation also contains collagen and protein which are good for your joints and muscles, talking about killing two birds with one stone!
4. Infuse your H2O
Staying hydrated throughout the day is important for warding off headaches, muscle cramps, poor short-term memory and even sugar cravings. Drink eight to 12 glasses of delicious aqua each day, and keep your water bottle handy so you can get into the good habit of sipping every time you see it.
5. Swap sugar and salt for herbs and spices
Sugar triggers cravings that can lead to weight gain, contributes to diabetes and causes inflammation. Replace sugar with cinnamon in coffee, and use paprika and chilli flakes instead of sugar in sauces. A salt-rich diet can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Instead of using salt, flavour your food with herbs and spices. Lemon, ginger and lime are great ways to add fresh flavours, too.
6. Get moving
Most of us don’t have an hour to kill at the gym, but that doesn’t mean you should give up exercise altogether. So what’s the simplest way to burn calories and get the heart pumping? Walking. Yes, you read that right. Ditch the elevator and take the stairs. And after rushing home to your family, make time for a nice evening walk around the block together.
As they say, health is wealth. So always pay attention to what your body needs, no matter how busy you are.
This content originally appeared on Yahoo.