LOVE ISLAND STAR URGES AUSSIES TO EMBRACE A BALANCED LIFESTYLE
We’ve all heard someone say it’s time to get ‘summer body ready’ , making it easy to feel pressured to change as summer approaches.
And new research shows that 69% of Aussies feel pressured to change their diet, fitness regime or lifestyle to achieve the so-called summer body.
And reality TV star Matt Zukowski is no stranger to the pressures of looking camera-ready.
Ahead of the summer season, Matt is partnering with Youfoodz to highlight the importance of nutritionally balanced meals.
The former Love Island star said Aussies should forget about getting ‘summer body ready’ and instead prioritise a ‘summer body balance’ , taking take more of a balanced approach to health and wellbeing.
Here are Matt's top tips to live a balanced life.
1. Prioritise balanced diets, not fads. When spring arrives some people may feel the urge to jump into fad diets to cut calories and ‘transform’ their bodies as soon as possible ahead of summer.
Not only can this pressure to change impact your mental health, but it can be damaging physically.
Fad diets rarely have the scientific evidence to back them up and can lead to exhaustion and nutritional deficiencies.
In fact, Youfoodz research revealed that nearly half (49%) of Australians have avoided nutritionally balanced meals, or skipped meals all together, to achieve their perceived perfect summer look.
Instead, I would recommend focusing instead on a balanced diet that encompasses the major food groups and creates longer-term health benefits.
2. Cut overexercising in favour of moving your body consistently. Ramping up your exercise routine to frequent, high intensity workouts might seem like a good idea when you’re aiming for radical results.
Like fad dieting, however, they rarely deliver on the promised results without risking complications.
Overexercising can lead to injury and mental fatigue. On top of this, research suggests that high levels of exercise can only do so much if you lack a balanced diet.
I suggest finding a form of movement that you enjoy, whether it be walking, running, swimming, dancing, going to the gym, and setting realistic goals to keep consistent and boost those dopamine levels no matter the movement you choose to make!
3. Get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. On average, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. We all know the numbers, but the impact of not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to our overall health and wellbeing.
Research from Youfoodz revealed that nearly half (48%) of Aussies say that they notice a boost in their mental health when they have a good night’s sleep, with 26% admitting they have a poorer diet when they don’t get enough sleep.
Creating a consistent night routine, switching off devices before winding down, and avoiding excessive caffeine intake can all help with your sleep.
From getting enough sleep every night to using nutritionally balanced meals, introducing balance in your life can help you stay consistent in your habits, without restriction and help you be the best version of yourself.
