The complete sunshine and warmth of this past week, opposite of our normal June Gloom here, has me really focused on summer nutrition! It is the season typically thought to be the pinnacle time of year filled with days of travel, poolside lounging, ocean dwelling and gatherings with friends and family. What often is overlooked at these times, however, are the challenges to your sustained health and fitness plan that these summer wonders can impose. With the change in schedule, increased travel, parties and sun time, your normal fitness schedule and optimal nutrition plan may slip through the cracks. At any time of year, there are simple solutions to keep you healthy and on track with your personal goals. Here are three reminder tips to keep in mind for a healthy summer:
Support Your Metabolism: Starting your day with a healthy, balanced breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism, while eating a small meal or snack every three hours will keep to it going. You will burn more calories, have increased energy levels and are more likely to make healthy food choices that contribute to your fit summer body! Balanced means looking for a high fiber, wholesome carbohydrate choice, lean protein and healthy fat while including a fruit or vegetables. The size of meals and snacks vary per person, but aim for a small amount of each nutrient for each.
Tip: Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables with a little greek yogurt or raw nuts/seeds poolside to keep your healthy snacks light and refreshing.
Hydration: Your body is made up of over 65% water! Being properly hydrated helps to bring oxygen to your muscles, get rid of waste, saturate your cells to enhance that summer glow and support a strong immune system. Enjoy water and non-caloric fluids throughout the day, starting early with breakfast!
Tip: Add cucumber and fruits slices to your water for a refreshing and light twist. Also try unsweetened brewed or iced green tea to enhance hydration and receive it’s insurmountable health and metabolic benefits. Head into parties or onto the plane with a limit on how many drinks you will have and balance the diuretic effect of alcohol by following your drink or each drink with mineral water or club soda with lemon or lime.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables naturally contain an array of health benefits, including water to help with your hydration and antioxidants which help to keep your cells strong, skin healthy and neutralize free radicals which can weaken your immune system.
Tip: Add fruit to your salads! Try fresh summer fruits rich in antioxidants like blueberries, strawberries, pomegranates, and raspberries with slivered almonds or walnuts.
The key to success is planning in advance. Go into the day already knowing your schedule and fueling plan in advance and travel with fluid and fuel to support your success to a healthy summer!
Be Well ~Meg @REJOOV
Leave a Reply