Summer has finally made a comeback! The sun is shining, the days are longer, and hopefully, you have a little more time to spend doing the things you love.
With all of the excitement that summer has to offer, though, it’s important to stay on the right track in managing your weight and health. This means that while you should have fun and make the most out of this amazing season, keeping healthy and making smart decisions for you and your family is a must!
Although this might not sound appealing at first, don’t worry – there are plenty of simple ways to make use of these next few summer months and keep reaching your personal health and fitness goals. We share some of those with you below!
Simple Tips for a Healthy Summer
- Take advantage of fresh summer fruit – Summer time always has new fruits in season, including blueberries, grapefruit, cantaloupe, grapes, nectarines and more. Not only is fruit sweet and refreshing, but it is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and tons of nutrition! To add more fruit into your diet, consider making low-fat fruit smoothies and fruit kabobs, or adding some to your salads or yogurt. Even on its own, fruit is a fantastic way to get the taste of summer!
- Stay hydrated while it’s hot – Hydration is especially important during the summer because of the heat, meaning that drinking a lot throughout the day is the key to staying energized. Since many drinks like sodas and juices are packed with added sugar, try sugar-free alternatives such as Crystal Light that can be added to water. If you’re looking for beverages that are a little bit more creative, consider making nutritious smoothies with fruits, yogurt, and avocado that you can customize or fun flavors to your ice cubes such as raspberry, watermelon or lemonade!
- Plug in exercise – Take advantage of the warm weather by stepping out of the gym to try something new! Going hiking, biking and exploring outdoor areas is a great way to engage with nature, and taking a stab at a new sport such as soccer or tennis can be fun and motivating! If you’re looking to beat the heat, consider swimming or aquatic workouts. For more information on staying cool in the pool with exercise, click here.
- Don’t forget your veggies – Vegetables are another great way to make your summer nutritious. If you you don’t like them raw or on their own, try making lean, low-fat dips for your veggies or accompany them with hummus. You can also sauté them with spices, marinate them, add them to soups or sauces or form smoothies with them.
- Move, move, move – Even if you’re not exercising, simply moving is a positive way to take advantage of the summer time. Walk outside or to a nearby location to watch the sunset, or enjoy scenic walks to feel the breeze. Plant a garden for your new fruits and veggies, or do some yard work while the weather is still good! You’ll notice how keeping active rejuvenates and inspires you. If you’d like more tips for adding movement to your day, click here.
Most importantly, just have fun and remember to enjoy these summer months! It’s the perfect time to try new things, get moving and refresh your routine. It won’t be too long before fall comes along, so take advantage of this season and make some healthy choices along the way to enjoy it even more!
