Spring clean your diet

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The weather is warming up, spring flowers are out and trees are in blossom – it’s finally spring! If too many winter comfort meals have left you feeling tired, sluggish and few kilos heavier then here’s a few tips to spring clean your diet and exercise regime.

1. Switch your usual hot drink to green tea

Green tea is rich in potent antioxidants which are thought to provide many positive health benefits. There is some evidence that shows that those who drink green tea regularly have a lower risk of heart disease. Some studies also show that drinking 2-4 cups of green tea can boost metabolic rate. While it’s effect on metabolic rate isn’t enough to make you lose weight alone, it can still contribute to a weight loss programme. Green tea has no calories and has less caffeine than coffee. And with it’s high levels of antioxidants,  it makes an excellent addition to your diet.

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2. Add vegetables

Vegetables are the powerhouse of nutrition.  Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, they help keep you healthy and feeling great.   Plus they’re low in fat and calories.  Vegetables aren’t just good for your health either. A recent study has also shown that a diet high vegetables can also help improve the appearance of your skin. Make sure your lunch and dinner both contain a good serve of vegetables. At dinner, half your plate should be filled with non starchy vegetables. This adds fibre to your lunches and dinners to help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Choose different coloured vegetables to give you a different range of nutrients and antioxidants.  If you’re stuck for lunch ideas, then this article has some good ideas.

3.  High intensity Interval training

High intensity interval training is proven to boost your fitness and fat burning abilities.  But this isn’t your usual sprint training. It involves working extremely hard for very short periods of time while getting similar benefits to longer, harder training.  In one study short, sharp sets of high intensity training was shown in studies to increase the time cyclists could ride at a high intensity for and burned 1/3 more fat than other training.  To find out how to do this type of training,  read about it here.

For more ideas on healthy eating or weight loss, visit Eat Well NZ.