Get Your Life In Shape In Summer by Jane Thurnell-Read

Most people feel better in summer they feel more positive and more motivated, so now is an excellent time to get into good habits that will stand you in good stead through the winter.

Many people need to increase their consumption of raw fruit and vegetables, and that is easy to do now with all the salad ingredients and luscious soft fruit that are around. You need to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day for the range of vitamins, minerals and protective antioxidants they provide. Now, while there is so much choice, is the time to get used to doing that if you arent doing it already.

Its important to drink lots of water, and in summer that seems an easier thing to do. Aim for 8 glasses of water a day, and it should be water, not cola, tea, coffee or alcohol. Start to do it now, feel the benefit and then carry on through the winter months.

Exercising is easier in the summer too. Light evenings and the warmth make outdoor sport much more appealing and manageable. Start now, and by the winter you may well be so enthusiastic about the benefits you will feel that you want to continue even though the evenings are dark and the weather is sometimes a severe challenge.

Don't forget to get some sensible exposure to the sun to stock up on Vitamin D ready for the winter the skin converts sunshine into vitamin D and this can be stored in the body till needed.

Enjoy the summer while you can!