Wellness Tip:

Move After Meals

Did you know there’s a super-simple hack for keeping your blood sugar in check? All you have to do is move for a few minutes after eating.

“Moving your muscles for 10 minutes after a meal can drastically reduce your glucose response,” says Dr. Casey Means, who suggests taking a walk around the block or even having a quick dance party in the kitchen (double points for making the washing up more fun!).

Research shows that movement helps to prevent blood glucose spikes and keep insulin stable—and as little as two minutes makes a difference. So, how about busting a move while you wash up after dinner today?

Routine Breakdown

Amanda Foster, Owner of Foster Consulting

How a Night Owl Gets Things Done

Night owl alert! Award-winning eDesigner and interior design consultant Amanda Foster says she usually gets up at around 3 pm PST and is active online until 5-6 in the morning. 

“I’ve been this way for years,” she says. “I have a lot of clients overseas so it actually works great when I’m coaching or doing mentoring group sessions with people in places like Australia, Tokyo, South Africa, and the UK.”

The Routine:

• Washes her face. “My mom had ingrained a self-care routine since I was 12.”
• Has mushroom and collagen coffee, and a bagel with cream cheese and salmon. “Netflix is on in the background or 80s funky music.”
• Checks email and FB messenger. “I reply to business inquiries and leave voice notes to clients I am coaching – all in my pjs as I get going.”
• Works on a laptop for 8-10 hours. “I try to break it up with walks around the block. I live by a HUGE park that has a zoo with beautiful gardens – a great place to take a quick 5-10 min stroll.”
• Jogs and stays mobile. “I jog to help not get couch potato syndrome, and I work on a laptop that can be in the kitchen, living room, coffee shop, or my home office.”

Why it works:

• A splash of cold water on the face can benefit the skin and it wakes you up!
• Mushroom coffee has less caffeine and potential benefits like improved brain function and immunity, while collagen may help joints, skin, and more.
• Regular breaks are essential for productivity. Pair that with movement and exposure to nature, and you have yourself a winning combination. 
• Jogging is good for your heart, immune system, and mental health—to name just a few.

Amanda’s routine proves that 5 am starts aren’t for everyone: the ideal routine is the one that fits with your lifestyle and natural rhythms. 

Are you a night owl or a morning lark?