Have your healthiest
Going abroad? A study from Emory University in the US found that sitting in a window seat on a plane – if you have the option – could make you less prone to picking up an infection. And don’t forget travel insurance – nearly 40 per cent of us travel without it.
There’s nothing like a cold beer on a hot day but try swapping a typical pint of your favourite drink for a bottle, which could save 100 calories, equivalent to a 20-minute walk. Check the strength too – a lower ABV beer will not only be better for your liver, but is often lower in calories too.
One in five of us will suffer with hay fever at some point during the summer. Antihistamine tablets can help, but a good tip when the pollen count is high is to put some Vaseline around the bottom of your nostrils to trap it.Wearing wraparoundstyle sunglasses can help stop the tiny particles getting into your eyes too.
When choosing cooling summer beverages, think about trading a crisp glass of white wine for spritzer, low-calorie wine or perry – just as refreshing but lower in sugar and alcohol. Stick to gin and tonics with a diet mixer or choose a mojito, rather than creamy cocktails like a pina colada. Pimm’s with diet lemonade has fewer calories than sangria.
Sunlight can boost your energy levels. But with many gyms and swimming pools still shut, try your hand at some other activities.A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that racquet-based sports led the way for reducing the chances of premature death and playing tennis burns more than 500 calories an hour – as much as a portion of chips.
Ticks are becoming a bigger problem in the UK.
They can spread Lyme disease which can potentially lead to other health problems including heart disease and arthritis.Wear long trousers tucked into socks in grassy areas and forests. Remove the whole tick carefully with tweezers if one does latch on. If you develop flu-like symptoms or a round “bullseye” rash around the bite, contact your GP.
berries such as raspberries are packed with antioxidants which can help reduce your risk of some cancers and heart disease, but try swapping cream for low-fat yoghurt. Also, beware iced coffees and milkshakes which can be packed with sugar.
The average Brit consumes an eye-popping 3,200 calories at a barbecue according to one survey – more than the recommended adult allowance for a whole day. Swap burgers, steaks and sausages for chicken without the skin or fish and switch sides like coleslaw for grilled corn on the cob.
Traditional picnic treats are often high in fat and salt. Try to take carrots, celery or cucumber sticks rather than crisps and make sensible swaps, such as ditching that pork pie for a cocktail sausage, or a Scotch egg for a boiled one.
While beach cricket and volleyball might be shunned this summer, do try your hand at building a sandcastle
– all that twisting is a good workout and burns 40 calories every 10 minutes.The resistance provided by running through the surf or along a sandy beach will help your body burn more calories than usual too – about 100-200 for every 10 minutes.
Avoid the diet pitfalls this summer by going for one of the lower-calorie ice creams now available, such