Fight the post-lunch coma – with a cup of green tea. Its caffeine releases slowly to keep you alert throughout the afternoon, say experts. Alternatively, down 200ml of water every 15 minutes. The liquid prevents dehydration from setting in – meaning you stay sharper and more focused.

 

Skip those probiotic drinks. Up the number of “good bacteria” in your gut – and improve your digestion – by including more fresh onions in your diet. Onions are a top source of inulin – a fibre that balances gut flora. Bonus: Just 6g of this tear-jerker is as filling as 260kcal, say experts. Time for a healthier, trimmer belly.

 

You don’t need fancy shoes to help you run better. Improve your form instantly by keeping an eye out for the horizon when you’re on the road. Doing this will straighten out your posture instantly, letting oxygenated blood circulate more easily.

 

Don’t let these foods trick you. People tend to underestimate the calories in pizza and subway sandwiches more than in other fast foods, a study reveals. Study participants thought these nasties contained about a third fewer calories than they actually did. The reason? People misjudge pizza portion sizes and perceive subs as healthy food.

 

Weak showing at the gym may signal hidden health problems, say experts. Young men who couldn’t bench 88 per cent of their body weight and leg-press 176 per cent of that same load were 1½ times more likely to suffer conditions related to heart disease and diabetes. Stronger muscles potentially protect you by secreting more metabolism-regulating hor-mones.

 

Not too much char kway teow this weekend – because two days of bad eating can make you overeat for days, say experts. When people overate by 40 per cent over 48 hours, the indulgence set them up for four more days of cravings. Your body doesn’t signal for less food to compensate for short-term upticks in calorie intake.

 

The quickest, cheapest workout there is? Sprinting. Lifting your legs rapidly for long periods torches the fat around your abs while building size, say elite fitness trainers.