As we jump into summer, long gone are the days of cold weather and with it, the winter excuses not to eat a healthy diet.
1. Stay hydrated.
We all know that drinking water is important for good health, but did you know it is important to drink water even before you feel thirsty? Thirst is often an indicator of dehydration. Grab a fun water bottle and challenge yourself to drink a set amount each day. A good rule of thumb is to consume half your body weight in ounces of water. Dehydration can sometimes present as hunger. So before grabbing something from the fridge, grab a glass of water first.
2. Color your plate.
Summer is the perfect time to increase your fruit and veggie intake. Load up on all the fresh, seasonal foods like avocados, cherries, mangos, green beans, summer squash, and zucchini. Be adventurous and try something new! Remember that color often correlates with different nutrients, so a variety of colors is best. Fruits and veggies also contain water, which is another great way to keep yourself hydrated.
3. Eat regular meals.
When on-the-go or shifting to a different routine (or no routine at all), consistent meals should still be part of a healthy lifestyle. Our bodies need regular fuel to think and function properly. Eating consistently can also prevent over-eating later in the day. No matter what your summer life looks like, do yourself a favor and eat regularly.
4. Snack smart.
This goes hand-in-hand with regular meal consumption. Snacks can be a great part of a well-balanced diet, but if left unchecked, they can sabotage all the good choices. A light snack in the morning and afternoon can keep your body energized while also preventing overeating at meals. For a grab-and-go snack, make your own trail mix with cereal, dried fruit, and nuts. Yogurt and frozen berries are refreshing on a hot afternoon. An apple with peanut butter is a fan favorite, especially with the kids!
5. Think grilled.
Summer is not complete without the fresh smell of the grill. Meats are of course a go-to for grilling, but also consider throwing veggies in the mix. You can even sweeten up the meal by grilling fruits like pineapples and peaches. With a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon, you have a fresh, nutritious dessert! Better yet, invite a few friends to share the meal.
6. Do not drink your calories.
While sweet, iced drinks are always refreshing, especially in the heat of summer, be aware of the amount of sugar in each serving. There is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying a sweet treat every now and then, but understand the nutritional value. For daily consumption, try adding fresh lemon or lime to a pitcher of water. This will also help with your hydration goals!
7. Get moving!
Living a healthy lifestyle is a combination of many things, not the least of which is physical activity. There are so many ways to be active during the summer months! Beat the heat by doing an early morning yoga practice in the backyard. Enjoy the sunshine by playing with your kids in the pool. Savor those summer nights by taking a walk with a friend after the kids are in bed. Make physical activity part of your daily routine.
Practicing these healthy habits will not only start your summer off right but also fuel your body all summer long. While you are making memories, also make positive lifestyle changes. Your body will thank you. When fall rolls around, you may just be a happier, healthier you.
Article written by Allyson Joy and originally published in Focus on Artesia 2023 Summer edition.
