Women’s Health Australia's mission is to help Aussie women feel happier and healthier (every single day!) with the ideal mix of fitness, food, nutrition, mindfulness, wellness, fitspo fashion and beauty, plus so much more.
Lately, I’ve been feeling like life’s demands are on the verge of overwhelming me, so I’ve been putting daily practices into place to stay centred. Gratitude is one of them. I’ve been practising it to the point I even thank my shitty moods when they arise, because they highlight when something needs to change. It also makes me laugh out loud at the ridiculousness of thanking said Shitty Mood and the result is an instant lift. It just goes to show that you can take pieces of advice and make them work for you. Like our cover star Halle Berry, who at 55 trained like a UFC fighter to get into shape for her new role. When she talks about cultivating a sense of peace, for her it’s about not…
“I’m grateful for my running buddies. Sunrise, sweat and convos about anything. The perfect way to start the day. I couldn’t have made it through the challenges of lockdown and home school without them.” ZARA (FAR RIGHT), DESIGNER “I’m most grateful for my strong, resilient family – here and overseas – acupuncture, and of course, ye olde espresso martinis! Thank you, Mr Archie Rose! Note: the last two don’t mix well.” AMANDA, ART DIRECTOR “My older brother’s wedding was the single best day of 2021. It was a reminder that, when it all comes down to it, love is what sustains us all, especially during these times of uncertainty.” JESS (CENTRE), DIGITAL CONTENT WRITER “The best part about 2021 was this tiny human. An absolute ball of sunshine, being able…
THE BIG QUESTION How do I build a healthy breakfast plate? Answer We hear you – your bowl of cornflakes is doing a job, but there’s room for improvement. To make the most of your morning meal, fill a third of your plate with high-quality protein, advises nutrition scientist Sarah Coe. Got time? Two large poached eggs should do the trick – delivering 14g of musclebuilding amino acids, plus essential micronutrients such as vitamin B12, selenium, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids. Next come starchy carbs: the average seeded wholegrain supermarket loaf packs 2g of gutboosting insoluble fibre per slice. Before you plate up, add at least one 80g serving of vegies, such as grilled mushrooms and tomatoes. They’re extremely nutrient-dense and full of soluble fibre. “Soluble fibre acts as food…
Berry Good Combo Pair your blueberries with Greek yoghurt for a solid snack. A protein in cow’s milk may help the body absorb more anthocyanins (a nutrient found in the fruit that’s shown to act as an antioxidant and lower blood pressure) and their by-products, translating to an even healthier mouthful. SOURCE: JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY MOOD FOOD Our mental health may be more closely linked to diet than blokes’, say researchers at Binghamton University in the US. They found that poor dietary habits – such as eating fast food, skipping breakfast and over-consuming caffeine and high-glycaemic foods – were more strongly associated with mental distress in women than men. The study authors also pointed out that a healthy lifestyle – starring fruit, dark leafy vegies and exercise…
Turn Off the Hustle Believing R&R is a waste of time is associated with less happiness, and more anxiety and stress. The focus on hustling “keeps us on a treadmill of expectations that prevents us from experiencing the present moment,” says psychotherapist Sheenie Ambardar. Can’t unwind? Remind yourself that everything you do doesn’t need to have a purpose or goal, she tips. Recharge by unplugging from email and social media in favour of spending time with loved ones, or schedule solo time for a mood-boosting show. SOURCE: JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY ON REPEAT While there are few things more irritating than an ear worm (you know, that song living rent free in your mind), it could have a purpose. Researchers reckon catchy tune plays an important role in helping…
So, when did you last clean your phone, eh? Trust us, it’s a good question. “Studies have shown our phones are covered by at least 10 times more bacteria than toilet seats,” says dermatologist Dr Leona Yip. “The build-up of contaminants on the screens, held in close contact to our skin and often for prolonged periods, can clog pores and cause or worsen breakouts.” Yikes. Besides cleaning your phone on the regs, try La Roche Posay Effaclar Serum, $59.95, boosted with salicylic acid to soothe the appearance of blemishes, and Raww Bakuchiol Boost Face Oil, $44.99, to reduce breakout severity. 25% of Aussies clean their phone every day, 22% clean it every few months, 35% use their phone while on the toilet. SOURCE: TELSTRA BRONZED BEAUTY Forget bronzing powders for…
