Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D
Make the Perfect Summer Salad
"Start with fresh local, organic greens," says Bark. "I love heirloom lettuces, wild arugula, and fennel."
Get the recipe: Toni Bark's Perfect Summer Salad
Illustration: Getty Images
Enjoy a Piping-Hot Cup of Antioxidants Every Morning
Once she's up, Bark drinks two cups of sencha or Chiran tea that she buys online (
itoen.com); later on she'll have a rooibos espresso. She might also drink thyme or oregano tea. "I'll boil whatever I've got," she says.
Illustration: Getty Images
Eat Low-Glycemic-Index Foods
The glycemic index (GI) is a system that ranks carbohydrates in food on a scale from 1 to 100 based on their effect on blood sugar levels. Foods like white bread, white rice, and white potatoes rank higher on the GI than foods like stone-ground whole wheat, brown rice, and nut butters. In addition to causing spikes in blood sugar levels, high-GI foods can stimulate excessive insulin, leading to increased inflammation and blood pressure and higher triglyceride (storage fats) levels; eating these foods may also lead to the sugar blues. To help avoid this, consume carbs in moderation and focus on healthy sources.
Illustration: Eleftheria Alexandri
Hang Upside Down
Assuming you're not pregnant and don't have high blood pressure, heart disease, brain or eye issues, fractures, or spinal injuries, "it can improve blood flow to certain areas," says Bark. "It can also be good for your spine and neck with the gravitational pull from your head helping open up the disk space." Not a bad idea to check with your doctor first, to see if this activity is right for you.
Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D
Eat an Energizing Breakfast
You should start the day with a nutrient-dense meal that includes both protein and fat, Bark says. Her raw pancakes taste better than they sound, especially slathered in coconut butter and maple syrup. Bark makes double batches and freezes them, defrosting two or three at a time. For dried mulberries, mesquite powder, and maca root, go to
therawfoodworld.com.
Get the recipe: Raw Mesquite Chia Pancakes
Illustration: Eleftheria Alexandri
Have More Sex
Among other things: Sex stimulates the autonomic nervous system and can help reduce stress, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (which helps prevent incontinence), and fortify your core. If you're between partners, Bark recommends the beautifully designed and engineered Swedish toys from
lelo.com, which can help you achieve the same health benefits on your own.
Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D
Bake a Better Brownie
Bark likes Ziyad pitted baking dates, available at
amazon.com.
Get the recipe: Raw Brownies
Illustration: Eleftheria Alexandri
Find a Fun Way to Exercise
...like bouncing on a trampoline or running in Kangoo Jumps. Bouncing helps keep the lymphatic system—which circulates infection-fighting white blood cells—moving, says Bark.
Supplement Your Diet with Astaxanthin
"If you're going to take supplements, take astaxanthin," which is derived from algae, says Bark. In addition to being a potent antioxidant, it can also act as an anti-inflammatory and may offer protection from UV rays. Bark recommends four to six milligrams, five days a week, or eight to 12 milligrams if you are going to be in the sun.
Illustration: Eleftheria Alexandri
Get More Sleep
"Studies show that people who lack sleep have higher cortisol levels and are more prone to all kinds of illnesses, including cardiovascular disease," says Bark. "I love to nap in the summer outside. Lying in a hammock on a warm summer day, hearing the breeze rustling... It's so plush and indulgent and I love it, love it, love it."
Next: 3 yoga postures that can lengthen the life of your joints
