Summer is on its way! If your winter has been pretty sedentary, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things. While it’s tempting to obsess over the stifling heat and having a bikini-ready body (or your lack thereof), panicking won’t get you very far. Instead of being stagnant in a spring-time slump, put these tips into action! We’re bringing you 7 tips for a healthier summer!
1. Start and end your day with water.
Start the season right with a glass of h20. When you wake up, drink water. If you are struggling with mucus, add some apple cider vinegar. I like mine a little tart, so I add a few tablespoons to a quart. Allow it to pull out some of that mucus before getting into the shower.
Before bed, drink some water. A soothing bedtime drink can be made by boiling water and adding lemon or cranberry juice (Get the ones without the added sugars!). Sipping this tea-like drink helps the body to wind down and will help it to detox while you sleep. Drinking water is one of the best tips for a healthier summer so don’t forget about it.
2. Avoid empty calories.
When it comes to snacking, the struggle is real. We can feel hungry because our energy is low. Don’t run to the vending machine. Plan ahead! Want crunchy? Trade chips for nuts. Want sweet? Trade candy for fruit. Want creamy? Trade chocolate for full-fat Greek yogurt. Want a drink with flavor? Trade that juice for water infused with berries, citrus, melon, or mint. Planning ahead can help the transition.
3. Make a grocery list.
After making decisions all day, the last thing I want to do is decide what to eat. Somewhere between realizing you forgot to thaw the meat and snacking on some chips, you may find yourself ordering a pizza, resolving to bake that chicken tomorrow. Planning your meals and setting reminders can help you to stay on track. The best part? When Thursday arrives and you don’t feel like stir fry, trade it with Saturday’s meal. The supplies are already in the fridge because before going to the grocery store you had a plan.
4. Be aware of portion-size.
Enjoy familiar flavors, but in a new way. For instance, a meal starts with a side salad. The entrée would consist of a steak (smothered in mushrooms and onions, of course), sweet potato fries, and a side of broccoli. Are you hungry yet? There is a lighter option. Take that side salad and make a meal! Toss some mixed greens and add some of your favorite toppings like tomatoes. Slice half of that steak over the top. Garnish with feta and balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy a few baked sweet potato wedges. The food is the same, but the portions have changed.
5. Get out there.
Exercise is vital, yet many people think it’s a chore. Set aside a time to exercise. You may have to try a few before you find one that fits you, but don’t give up! Go for a walk. Play some ball. Try a workout video. One of my favorite workouts is perfect for summer – pool aerobics. While my body is becoming stronger, I have less pressure on my joints and keep cool.
6. Beat the heat.
There’s a few things I’d invest in as the summer draws nigh. First, find a comfortable, but sturdy, pair of sandals. Uncomfortable shoes will always be an excuse. Wearing sandals can keep your entire body cool. Get a few tanks for toned shoulders and some shorts for shapely legs. Even if you don’t feel strong yet, you will need cool apparel to exercise. Then, your goals can be met. Find swimwear that suits you. Bikinis are fine for tanning, but you will need a sturdy suit if you plan on swimming laps. A reusable water bottle will help you avoid the temptation of sodas. Try some of the water infusions in tip #2. When active, it’s important to stay hydrated.
7. Have the right mindset.
This is your journey. Now is the time to set goals for yourself. I was in the bad habit of never setting goals. It was easy to tell myself that failing was inevitable. Why try at all? I learned that it was best to set small goals. This way, I would reach the marks that were required to accomplish the bigger goal. You can do it too! Decide, today to become your best self. Make summer your season by following these 7 tips for a healthier summer.
There you have it! These are 7 tips for a healthier summer for you take on. What do you think? What would you tell a friend looking for tips for a healthier summer? Let us know in the comment section below! Stay tuned to our blog for all things eat, shop and play.
