5 Tips for a Healthy Summer

5 Tips for a Healthy Summer

If you are reading this, then you’ve survived the strangest spring any of us have ever encountered. 2020 has been full of surprises for everyone on the planet. Living through the worldwide COVID pandemic and an uprising of protests regarding police brutality and race in the States, I think I can safely say we are all in need of some light-hearted, pleasure-focused days ahead! Is it idealistic of me to hope that summer can make it all better?! Here are my 5 Tips for a Healthy Summer.

When I got to thinking about what I most wanted to share in regards to healthy summer tips, physical and mental health are at the forefront. Safety is still key in terms of our physical health as the world starts to open up again: the corona flu seems far from over. Our mental health is also a concern in regards to the stress we’ve gone through- staying safe at home meant social isolation; financial worries for those furloughed and laid off, not getting the fresh air that can really help to clear a mind, and then the video recording of a man dying in public that has literally changed the world.

In an attempt to keep us all happy AND able-bodied this summer of 2020, here are my 5 Tips for a Healthy Summer:

1. Keep mindful of your sugar intake this summer. When I think of summertime, popsicles, banana pudding, and fruit smoothies come to mind. These are all fine in moderation, but too much sugar can lead to weight gain and excess puffiness. For those looking to lose weight from our extended stay indoors these past few months, we will have to keep track of our sugar intake, even when lounging happily by the pool.
2. Keep your body moving even for short periods of time. I know the heat can put a damper on outdoor exercise. Feel free to take a swim at the beach or in a pool. Go for a brisk walk in the early morning or as the sun is going on to avoid the excess summer heat. Another option is taking your workout back indoors and following a class on IGLive or through various other platforms now offering free workouts. Moving your body can keep you healthy. Exercise causes change in antibodies and white blood cells. WBCs are the body’s immune system cells that fight disease. So keep the body moving to fight off corona and whatever other virus that might be floating around you.
3. Find a new hobby. This can really help to self-soothe when stress is high or when you are feeling blue. Challenge yourself to writing a gratitude list each day. Learn to garden and be at peace in nature. Take up an art class, there are plenty online ones at the moment. Finally learn how to play golf or tennis. Keep seeking ways to combat an ill mood for the next time you feel one coming. Side note on this- hobbies also keep your brain off of the use of food as a way to self-soothe. The calories from emotional eating can add up! Keep yourself engaged in other ways.
4. Seek out new and healthier recipes. The likelihood of you entertaining guests over during summer or being invited to someone else’s party or backyard BBQ are relatively high. Either way, food will be high on the list of priorities. Think produce, lean meats, and less refined snacks when debating on a menu. I especially urge the consumption of produce; fruits and vegetables are higher in water content and that can come in handy when you’re feeling a little dehydrated from the heat! Sliced cucumbers and carrots with a homemade dip are a win. Seafood and lean poultry options on the grill with veggies are also a great combo. For the plant-based friendly, think stuffed pepper recipes, veggie hummus wraps, and rainbow-colored salads with incredible ingredients and flavor. Who said healthy recipes can’t be tasty too?
5. Drink more Water! This last tip should be a given but it often is overlooked in reality. As a nutrition coach, I cannot express the number of times I encounter new clients who scoff at the amount of water I suggest. That number is usually at least half their body weight; however in the summer I recommend at least 100 ounces. Yes, you read that right, 100 ounces minimum. Sweating from the heat can leave your body dehydrated and that lack of water is harmful to your body. Your body is affected in a whole number of ways. Bloating, indigestion, weight gain, etc. Dehydration can also increase food cravings of the not-so-healthy-kind; think of the salty treats like chips, fries, etc.

I hope these tips serve you well and for you and your family to have a happy, healthy, safe summer. For further guidance on my 5 Tips for a Healthy Summer, feel free to email me at info@themaxwellmethod.com.

XO, Natasha