Get prepped for summer

Are you getting excited for summer? You can start doing things now to get you motivated and ready to make the most of your summer.

1. Drink more water
As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to keep ourselves hydrated so we can feel good. Generally, it’s recommended that women drink 2.1 litres (or 8 cups) and men drink 2.6 litres (or 10 cups) per day. To help you drink more water, you can use apps to track your water intake, set alarms to remind you to drink water, or use drink bottles with measurements.

2. Increase your exercise
Regular exercise is vital if you’re wanting to get in shape for summer. We suggest gradually increasing your exercise and setting up an exercise routine. It’s recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week and to do muscle strengthening two times a week. Moderate exercises include brisk walking, swimming and cycling (at moderate speeds) where you’re still able to easily talk while exercising. Vigorous exercises include jogging, aerobics and competitive sports that make you breathe harder. Muscle strengthening includes yoga and weights.

3. Eat healthier
We advocate a vegetarian diet as part of the Hopewood Lifestyle. In your diet, we recommend having:
• 60-70% fresh fruits and vegetables
• 20-25% complex carbohydrates (such as grains, starchy vegetables, beans and pulses)
• 10-15% concentrated protein (such as cheese, eggs, nuts, seeds and soybeans)
• 5% essential fatty acids (can be found in oils, fish, avocados, nuts and seeds).
We have a range of recipes you can try.

4. Get up earlier
As the days get longer, it’s a great time to start getting up earlier. Establishing a good morning routine can help prepare you for the day, improve your mental state and increase your productivity. To help you get up earlier, we recommend a gradual approach such as shifting your wake-up time forward 15 minutes at a time.

5. Look after your skin
Caring for your skin will help you look fresher and younger. We recommend investing in a good moisturiser that will protect your skin from the sun and wind damage and using organic skin care products that don’t contain harmful toxins. Make sure you stock up on sunscreen that has a minimum SPF 30 and aim to get out in the sun for 10-15 minutes a day to soak up the Vitamin D.

Follow these tips and you’ll be prepared for a fun, exciting summer.