English - Sprout (Page 10)

What is an anti-inflammatory diet?

An anti-inflammatory diet is a nutritional approach that aims to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is linked to a variety of chronic conditions and diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, skin health issues and some cancers. The goal of this diet is to incorporate foods that can help

English

Should I start swimming for exercise?

The question of whether or not to start swimming depends on your personal preferences, fitness goals, and schedule. Here are some pros of swimming so you can decide if it would work in your weekly routine. Pros of swimmingLow impact, so doesn’t negatively impact the joints and is suitable

English

Benefits of a physically active job

Having a physically active job can offer a range of benefits that contribute to both physical and mental wellbeing. Unlike sedentary occupations that involve prolonged periods of sitting, physically active jobs require regular movement and engagement in physical tasks. Here are the many benefits of having a physically active job:

English

Healthy one-pot meals to make for dinner

Preparing healthy one-pot meals for dinner simplifies the cooking process. It also reduces the number of pots and pans you need to clean, which is always a bonus. Here are some healthy and delicious one-pot meals you can try making for dinner: Chicken and vegetable casseroleStir fryChili con carne or

English

What is lean bulking?

Lean bulking, sometimes called clean bulking, is a term used in the fitness and bodybuilding community to describe gaining muscle mass while minimizing the amount of fat gained during the process. Traditional bulking requires eating a surplus of calories to promote muscle growth and strength gains. Lean bulking focuses more

English

How to practice handstands

Handstands are a bodyweight exercise for increasing upper body strength, core stability, balance and functional movement. Here are some helpful tips to improve your handstand practice: Strengthen your shoulders, arms, and core through exercises like push-ups, shoulder presses and planks.Perform wrist stretches and forearm exercises on a daily basis

English

What is ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is often also referred to as nature therapy or green therapy. It's a method of improving well-being and mental health that involves engaging with nature. The idea behind ecotherapy is centered around the belief that connecting with the natural world can have positive effects on mental health and can

English

Tips for planning a home gym

Working out at home is a great way to improve your health and fitness, build muscle mass and gain cardiovascular endurance, without needing to pay for a public gym membership or venture out of your home. Home gyms can make exercise more accessible, convenient and enjoyable. Here are some helpful

English

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary pattern that involves consuming your daily calories within a short timeframe and fasting for the rest of the day. A popular time frame is an eight-hour eating window followed by a 16-hour fast, although there are versions with different eating windows. Intermittent fasting is

English

The mental health benefits of staying organized

Staying organized can refer to your belongings, physical space or even your schedule. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve motivation and enhance productivity. Here are some of the benefits you may experience when you are organized: Lower stress levelsReduces feelings of overwhelm and anxietyIncreased feelings of controlIncreased ability

English

Discover 5 processes your circadian rhythms help regulate

Circadian rhythms are in-built mechanisms that every human has. They function on a 24 hour clock to help regulate a variety of physiological processes and behavioral patterns. Most notably, the circadian rhythm regulates the sleep-wake cycle alongside body temperature fluctuations and hormone secretion (not all, but some hormones). Let’s

English

What should I snack on during a workout?

If you are working out for an hour or more, you might want to consider adding a snack to your workout routine. A small snacking during your workouts can provide a quick energy boost and help you maintain your stamina for continual great exercise performance. The choice of snacks that

English

Foods to support your immune system

Your immune system works to fight off infection and boosting your immune function can help promote your overall health. One way to do this is through what you eat. Although no single food or food group holds the key to a strong immune system, your overall nutrient intake influences your

English

Introduction to the brain-gut axis

The relationship between the brain and the gut, also known as the gut-brain axis, works in a bidirectional motion, where the brain and gut communicate with one another. They do so by the vagus nerve, which connects the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (which controls the

English

Is napping good for you?

Napping can have both positive and negative effects. While it can be beneficial for restoring your energy levels and topping up lost sleep, it may also start to impact your ability to get to sleep and stay asleep when you go to bed in the evenings. Here are some points

English

Beginner yoga moves

Yoga is a highly effective form of exercise for improving muscle flexibility, joint mobility, core strength and coordination. It's also beneficial for mental health as it promotes relaxation and mindfulness alongside physical movement. Starting with simple poses can help you ease into this popular form of exercise. Here are some

English

Should you hire a personal trainer?

Deciding whether to get a personal trainer depends on your unique fitness goals, individual preferences, and current life circumstances. Here are some important factors to consider when you’re deciding whether or not to hire a personal trainer: The cost of a weekly trainer and your budget or current financial

English

Why should I try working out at home?

The gym can be an ideal place for getting an excellent training session thanks to its motivating environment, extensive range of equipment, and well-equipped exercise studios. However, you can still achieve your fitness goals without entering a gym. Here are some key benefits of choosing to work out at home.

English

HIIT vs. LISS workouts

HIIT refers to High-Intensity Interval Training, and LISS is short for Low-Intensity Steady-State. Both are forms of cardiovascular exercise and have their own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the differences between the two can help you decide which one aligns better with your fitness goals and personal preferences. Let’s break

English

Healthy snacks to try when you're hungry

When hunger strikes between meals, choosing healthy snacks is helpful for maximizing your nutrient intake and maintaining a healthy weight. Below, we’ve listed some deliciously healthy snacks that you can try when you’re hungry: Chopped veggies with hummusDried vegetable sticksFresh fruits or fruit saladRice cakes with peanut butterGreek

English

Protein shakes and exercise

Whether you need to drink protein shakes to support your workouts depends on your specific fitness goals, dietary preferences and the intensity of your workout. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to drink protein shakes following your workout or not: Your dietary protein intake (if you get

English

Tips to balance your work and social lives

Balancing your professional and social lives can be difficult. However, it’s important for your health and wellbeing. A well-balanced lifestyle helps minimize stress, can improve your energy levels and even strengthen your relationships. Here are three helpful tips for balancing your work and social lives. Set prioritiesIdentify your top

English

Helpful mindful eating tips

Mindful eating refers to the process of paying close attention to the things you’re eating and your thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental manner. Taking a mindful approach to eating can lead to an improved relationship with food and healthier eating habits. It helps us to be more aware

English

Insomnia - overview & tips

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Some insomniacs can get enough sleep hours each night but fail to achieve restorative sleep, meaning they are still somewhat sleep-deprived. Insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability and impaired functioning. What causes insomnia?Insomnia can be

English

Exercising ideas that aren’t running

Happily there are a myriad of fun ways to stay active and maintain a great level of physical fitness, cardiovascular and respiratory endurance and muscle mass. Give one of the following activities a try, or even better, try several! WalkingHikingCyclingSwimmingRowingDancing classesGroup aerobic classesYoga or PilatesHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT)