Summer ever
as Halo Top or Oppo. They can have fewer than 100 calories per 100ml, compared to 250 in a traditional scoop. Also, consider swapping that Magnum at 260 calories – 30 minutes running to burn off – for a Solero Exotic which is just 98 calories.
Make sure you apply your sunscreen – of at least SPF30 – around 20 minutes before you go into the sun to ensure you’re fully protected. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat not only reduces the chance of sunburn to your head and neck but cuts your eyes’ exposure to UV by up to 50 per cent.
With pub gardens opening, many of us will be enjoying a leisurely pub lunch or two in the coming weeks. But check the calorie counts. A plate of bangers and mash, for instance, is typically lower in calories than a plate of fish and chips – around 1,200 versus 859 at JD Wetherspoon, for example.
Stomach upsets make up half of the cases of holiday health problems and prevention is key.Avoid ice in drinks, as well as food that’s not piping hot if you’re unsure of its source and always carry some rehydration sachets with you in case you’re struck down.
Nearly two-thirds of Brits struggle to get eight hours sleep when the mercury rises according to one survey.Wear cotton fabrics at night, close your curtains during the day and banish pets from the bedroom.
Drinking six to eight glasses of water can fend off everything from heatstroke to headaches and even help your heart and muscles function better. It can also stop emotions running high – we are more prone to lose our temper as temperatures rise.
A third of us became more interested in nature during lockdown according to the National Trust and just being close to green spaces can improve our well-being. So get out for as many walks and bike rides as you can. Studies suggest that taking a summer break can boost your creativity.And it might be worth investing in some binoculars and taking up a new hobby: a study by the University of Exeter showed birdwatching could boost relaxation levels.
As well as burning calories and boosting our mental health, getting out in the garden can even increase our confidence levels, boost self-esteem and appreciation of our own bodies according to a study by Anglia Ruskin University.
You may think you’re choosing the healthy option by opting for a salad, but beware. Dressings add plenty of flavour, but are also laden with calories and fat. Some Caesar salads end up with more calories than a burger, while blue cheese dressings are often packed with salt as well as saturated fat.