Can we all agree that Lo Bosworth was the best cast member on The Hills? (Sometimes I like to watch this montage for old time’s sake.) Best stated by our editor Beth, “when she was on, I was like oh thank god this is a Lo-heavy episode.” Even though the latest revamping of The Hills has no Lo in sight (different decade, same Spencer Pratt shenanigans), you haven’t seen the last of her. In fact, it’s just the beginning.
Lo Bosworth has transformed from reality TV fame to a successful wellness entrepreneur who is completely transforming the women’s health space. At The Everygirl, we’re huge fans of her female-first total body care company, Love Wellness, that is revolutionizing the way women care for their health.
Since it’s no secret I’m obsessed with achieving my best self, I asked Lo to spill some tips that women should be doing every day for optimal health. No matter your health goals, diet, or lifestyle, here are 11 tips Lo suggests to improve your health today:
1. Drink more water
“Hydrate more” is a tale as old as time, but that’s because it’s one of the biggest factors in improving your health. About 60 percent of the body is made of water, which means drinking enough is crucial for optimal function of the organs and cells in your body. To name just a few benefits, drinking more water delivers oxygen throughout the body, boosts skin health, flushes body waste, and makes minerals and nutrients from food accessible to different parts of your body.
In regards to how much water is enough, 2-3 cups of water per hour is standard for a healthy adult. You may need more (if you exercise or sweat every day) or less if you have certain health conditions like thyroid disease, so talk to your doctor if you’re unsure about the right amount for you. To get yourself to drink more water, try adding natural flavoring (like lemon, mint, or cucumber) and take a reusable water bottle wherever you go.
2. Sleep 7-8 hours a night
You know you’re supposed to get more sleep, but do you know how much your body needs sleep? “Sleep is so important for overall health,” Lo said. “It’s when your brain and body reset.” In terms of brain health, too little sleep takes a toll on attention, learning, and memory. While it may be tempting to stay up until 2am working on your side hustle or bingeing season two of Shrill, remember that women can’t afford to skimp on sleep while we’re running the world (do you think Beyoncé gets less than seven hours of sleep?)!
3. Eat more “real” foods
Trendy diets and eating fads come and go, but here’s a really simple fad-free way to give your body what it needs to be its healthiest: eat more foods from nature. Lo’s eating philosophy is to eat less processed foods and more organic vegetables, as well as responsibly sourced meats and seafood. Try cooking with fresh produce, herbs, and whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.
4. Fit in a relaxing morning routine
“I love to wake up early and have a relaxing morning,” Lo said. “I give myself time and space to do that before heading into work with a steam and a nice large glass of cold lemon water.” Whether your workday starts at the standard 9am or at 6:30am like mine, you likely can find at least five minutes of quiet time, just for you. Try a refreshing steam like Lo (we love facial steamers for an at-home facial), or try meditating and journaling. Don’t forget the big glass of lemon water!
5. Listen to your body
Lo knows that optimal health has a lot to do with trusting yourself. “Your body knows to signal if something is off. Trust that instinct and take the proper steps to get well.” If you feel less energy or more digestive issues when trying out certain food trends or healthy supplements, your body knows better than a diet plan what’s best for it, so listen. Likewise, if you’re feeling overworked and stressed or something doesn’t feel right in your body, listen to it and prioritize your health.
6. Move at least 20-30 minutes every day
You don’t have to spend hours at the gym to get healthy. Instead, fit in more intervals of less time throughout the week. A 20-minute walk on your lunch break or 30 minutes of a Youtube video workout is all it takes to reap the benefits of exercise. According to Lo, in addition to improved health, it also helps to boost your mood (anyone who has taken a yoga class and walked out feeling super zen knows that!).
7. Focus on feminine health
“When I started Love Wellness, I was reacting to my own need for better women’s personal care products,” Lo said. “This was back in 2015 when I was dealing with health issues and I found that women’s products were lacking body-positive messaging and clean formulations that work well with women’s bodies. I felt bad about the need to take care of my body, searched high and low for answers, and ultimately decided to work to change that experience for women everywhere.”
Repeat after me: being a woman and needing hygiene and healthcare accordingly is not shameful. Your reproductive health care should be a big part of your wellness routine, including everything from regular gynecology appointments to using a feminine cleanser that is good for your body, meaning without all the typical harsh chemicals (I use the Love Wellness cleanser and I am obsessed). Let’s find power, rather than shame, in taking care of our lady bits (and also, stop using cute names like “lady bits” and call it a vagina because a body part is not a dirty word.)
8. Take breaks to keep up energy
Yes, even CEOs take breaks. Lo breaks up her workdays with a walk, an Instagram scroll, or a chat with people on her team as a way to keep up her energy throughout the day. PSA: you do not need that afternoon cup of coffee! You just need a walk around the block or a quick laugh with your work wife to be more revived than you could ever feel from an espresso shot.
9. Tidy up
Marie Kondo started a revolution, and Lo certainly agrees. “Making sure my room is tidy, my face is clean and moisturized, and that my bed is made before I get into it helps me sleep a lot. Tidy room, tidy mind!” When it comes to bedtime routines, cleanliness really is next to godliness. Schedule some time in your nighttime routine dedicated to cleaning, whether it’s a relaxing bath, taking off all your makeup, or putting the clothes thrown on the laundry chair (we all have one!) away before you get into bed.
10. Eat more fiber
The beauty and gut-health secret that can transform your body? Fiber. Lo said, “consuming fiber-rich foods such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, oats, apples, broccoli, bananas, and strawberries will help to maintain good gut and skin health. Fiber helps your gut, which in turn helps keep your hormones balanced and skin in check.” If you need some extra help getting your fiber in, Love Wellness recently released Sparkle Fiber, which is a unique blend of fiber and digestive enzymes that gently remove toxins from the body.
11. Don’t feel selfish for taking care of your body
Let’s say it again for the people in the back: self-care is not selfish. You need to prioritize yourself in order to show up as your best for work, family, and friends. No matter how packed your schedule is, take time every single day to do something just for your mental and physical health. “Don’t feel bad or selfish about taking care of your body!” Lo said. “Taking the time to check in with yourself daily will do wonders for your mood and health, both short and long term.”
