Spring into action!

This is from the Australian Better Health Iniative 'Measure Up' and given that 50% of Australians are overweight, it's timely advice:

The smell of spring flowers, the warmer weather…. Spring is the ideal time to (re)start being physically active and to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods.

1. Spring is a perfect time to tend to your garden. Increases in daily activity can come from tasks like gardening. Gardening activities like digging, shifting soil, and mowing the lawn are great exercise. You can even grow some fruit and vegetables that contribute to eating a healthy diet!

2. Make sure you are drinking sufficient water in the warmer weather. It is easy to get dehydrated when temperatures are on the rise. Avoid sweetened drinks such as cordial, soft drink and sports drinks. If you need to add pizzazz to your water take the advice of Jack from Takura QLD by adding a few slices of fresh lime, lemon or other citrus fruit.

3. There is no excuse not to include fruit and vegetables on your shopping list in Spring! Fresh produce is ripe for the picking in Spring. Stick to in-season produce to get the best prices. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that are important for good health. Make eating fruit and veg fun- create a fruit salad and try a fruit you have never had before; add to your Spring BBQ by making grilled vege-kebabs, or cut fruits and vegetables into interesting shapes.

4. Get active with friends and family in outdoor springtime activities. It is always nice to share a beautiful day with somebody else. Instead of doing something that is inside and less active together choose to take a walk or a bike ride.

5. Take advantage of the nicer weather and include water based activity as part of getting physical. Go for a swim or take a water aerobics class in your local pool or head to a nearby river, lake or beach.

... remember though, when outside - slip, slop & slap!



Resource: http://www.measureup.gov.au/internet/abhi/publishing.nsf