Fall is the perfect time to reinvent your routine and recommit to healthy habits that will help make you feel and look your best, for the rest of the year. We teamed up with registered dietician, Nishta Saxena and Smart Solutions to break down the simple habits you can implement quickly in your everyday life to be healthy from the inside out.
Stay Hydrated
Did you know that even a two percent change in your hydration status can affect cognitive function to the point that it can impact your decision-making skills and mood? The average person should aim for 30 to 40 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight (for example: if you are 130 pounds, you need about two litres of water daily), which can vary depending on your activity levels.
If you don’t like water, there are some easy ways to make it taste great. You can upgrade your water by adding citrus slices of any kind and leaving them overnight to steep. A bit of the vitamin C will leech in, plus it’s a great way to start the day. You can also add berries for an extra boost of antioxidants. Green tea is also very hydrating, so you can include it, hot or cold, as part of your daily total intake.
Up Your Protein Intake
Skip nighttime hunger by ensuring you get enough protein during the day. The average woman needs about 1.3 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to preserve and support health (for example: if you weigh 140 pounds, you may need 85 to 100 grams of protein a day). You want to divide that up over three to four meals, so it can all be absorbed and not wasted.
Take Care of Your Muscles and Joints
As early as our 20s, our collagen production begins to naturally decrease and drops off significantly after menopause, which can affect our muscles and skin. Weight training helps prevent injuries, plus building muscle keeps our skin plump and supports it from the inside. Along with adding exercise to your daily routine, you can also take supplements like collagen to support healthy hair, skin, nails and joints and GLA borage oil to nourish the skin from within by providing Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Remember to always check with your doctor before taking anything new, and always read and follow the label.
SHOP: Active Collagen; $42.49 at Smart Solutions | Collagen Plus; $34.39 at Smart Solutions | GLA Borage Oil; $39.99 at Smart Solutions
