Last month I talked about beauty hacks for when you’re heading away on holiday.
Firstly, our cortisol levels are at their highest pre-holiday as we attempt to tick all of the boxes before we go. Then once our defences drop, we run the risk of becoming ill, just when we should be in relaxation mode. When you’re in an unfamiliar locale your body is also exposed to bugs that it hasn’t built up immunities to, adding even more fuel to the fire. With all of these factors working against you, it is a good idea to be as organised – and as chilled – as you can be before you fly.
Once your trip is booked, amass a line up of great supplements to take before and after the flight. Prep your immune system with goodies like Lipo-Spheric Vitamin C and zinc, both of which are great for boosting your immunity and healing wounds amongst a multitude of other things. If you’re heading somewhere a little on the exotic side or like to throw caution to the wind a little when it comes to dining out, a good probiotic will be your best friend. Probiotics help keep your digestive system healthy, and that’s pretty important when travelling – as well as an essential in everyday life.
Find out which (if any) immunisations you’ll need for your destination and make sure to get them within the recommended time. While you’re there, ask your doctor if you need any boosters to refresh immunisations you’ve had in the past, or if they can give you a ‘back pocket’ script for any illnesses that may arise after you return home.
Lastly, on the wellness front, adding a good protein powder to your day is always a great idea. My current fave is from Dose & Co, a health and wellness supplement range by New Zealand-born, US-based naturopath and nutritionist, Libby Matthews. Libby herself has always been the ultimate picture of health and wellbeing, and well qualified to create her own brand. The end result is a range of clean, sustainable probiotic protein powders and bio-available collagen powders made using high-quality ingredients free of fillers and artificial flavours – and they taste pretty amazing too.
The range features two New Zealand ‘firsts’ – the first probiotic protein powder and first collagen creamer (specifically designed to be added to coffee). The plant-based probiotic protein powder contains easily absorbed GanedenBC30 probiotics, and has been made with European GMO-free yellow pea protein. And instead of the usual sweeteners and supplements used in protein powders, monk fruit extract is used to achieve a great taste. Monk fruit extract has high antioxidant properties and contains zero calories or carbohydrates, and it does not affect blood sugar levels so is suitable for diabetics.
Once you’re on holiday, spend up large on a sunhat and good sunblock, but save on staying hydrated by ditching the fancy electrolyte drinks. Grab a fresh coconut if you’re in the tropics or add a pinch of Himalayan sea salt to your water wherever you go, and you’re well on track to staying healthy.
Now on to exercise, which can definitely help with ensuring your holiday is a happy one.
Kirsty Gregg is a long-time Ponsonby resident, personal trainer and generally inspiring woman, and is my go-to when it comes to all questions fitness. As well as leading the likes of Pilates, spin and circuit classes at re:ab on Selbourne Street, she has a huge number of personal training clients, many of whom have been embracing the ski season. She says that careful prep beforehand will help towards putting your best foot forward on the slopes, and ensure minimal injuries beyond.
“Once a client has a date in place we make a plan, and start with a training regime that focuses a little bit more on the glutes to ensure that things are strong in that area,” she tells me.
She then adds in a little Pilates to help with their core stability, and concentrates on smaller muscle groups to further aid with stabilisation. Lastly, endurance is a snow season essential, so some spin classes and HIIT will help to raise your fitness level in general. “Ideally, my clients want a season with no injuries,” says Kirsty, “and going in feeling as strong as they can will definitely help with that. It may sound like a lot, but putting in work towards something really fun is always worth it.”
She says that tropical holidays are also a great fitness incentive, with the goal of having greater confidence with less on! When you feel stronger and fitter in a swimsuit you’re more likely to wear one well, and a little prep goes a long way in achieving exactly that. “Key to this is stopping things that may be unnecessary for your overall wellbeing,” says Kirsty, “which could mean cutting back on alcohol or treats that are high in sugar.
Add in maybe four fitness sessions a week and you’re well on track.” She finds that clients often lose weight once they are on holiday as they are moving a lot more than they normally would be, and a decrease in stress helps enormously too. “You might have been strength training in the lead up but then on holiday be swimming every day and hiking. When you’re away you appreciate the difference in your environment and eat more mindfully, and the body responds accordingly.”
Perhaps consider a transformative health and fitness holiday? Whatever your goals, rejuvenation needn’t come with deprivation, as many stunning wellness retreat destinations ably demonstrate. (HELENE RAVLICH)
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