Summer is here, and you know what that means: tis the season of beach-bods, tans, and having a social life again. It’s time to get your glow on and tone on, aka get #shreddedforthesummer. But in all fairness, with patio season among us, that’s just a little hard to do. It’s not the easiest to stay healthy when all we really want to do is drink, eat ice cream, and lounge by the pool.
Keep reading for 4 quick tips on how to stay healthy and fit for the summer, while still making the most out of the sunny days.
1. Get moving
Between the many pitchers of beer and everyday gelato cravings, there’s no doubt that your diet may go a little off track in the summer months. Knowing that your nutrition game may not be at its strongest, it’s especially important to focus on your workout regime. Now this doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself in a gym for hours, missing out on the beautiful summer sun. Instead, use the outdoors as your gym. Go for a run outside and explore a new neighbourhood. Try out some HIIT at a nearby track. Find a local trail and go for a hike with some friends. Do what works for you. If you’re finding it difficult to incorporate a workout in your day due to your busy social life, stay active where you can. Ditch the car or subway and go for a walk or a bike ride instead. Even a little bit of physical activity makes a difference. Get outside, be active, and move!
2. Eat well when you can
Let’s be real: no one wants to be that person at happy hour that’s ordering a salad and a lemon water while the rest of the group is indulging in tacos and sangria. Balance and moderation are key – so as long as you’re making an effort to eat healthy where you can, a little “cheat meal” here and there is well deserved. If you’re out on a patio enjoying a few pitchers and apps with friends, plan for the next social gathering to be healthier. Next time, try swapping out the patio drinks for a clean-eats backyard BBQ. Or, opt out of the ice-cream and indulge in a refreshing fruit smoothie instead. There are plenty of healthy-yet-delicious options to satisfy your sweet, meat, and summer cravings. Skip the diet, just eat healthy.
3. Stay hydrated
With all the added cocktails that may now be part of your summer regimen, it’s especially important to drink water. When you’re upping your alcohol intake in the heat, you’re more prone to getting dehydrated. Dehydration is never fun: we’re talking fatigue, light-headedness, and in extreme cases, vomitting and fainting. In other words, you don’t want to go there. Make sure you get your recommended water intake (health guidelines suggest 8 glasses a day; which includes fluids from other foods as well); by keeping a water bottle with you at all times. Get into the routine of sipping on water consistently throughout the day. Not only will water keep you hydrated during the hot summer months, but water is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Hydrate and feel great – it’s just that simple.
4. Protect your skin
Although drinking water may play a role in keeping your skin healthy from the inside, you’ve got to take precautions to keep your skin healthy on the outside as well. When you’re out in the sun, it’s a requirement to protect your skin from the UV ray exposure. UV rays are the leading cause of skin cancer, and it’s important not to take this lightly. At a minimum, apply suncreen with SPF 30 or higher. Not only will this help protect your skin from harmful exposure that can potentially lead to skin cancer, but it’ll help keep your skin looking young and healthy. As tempting as it is to lie out by the pool for hours in order to get that sun-kissed glow, there are healthier ways to achieve that California tan. Try out a spray tan or topical instant tanning lotion to give you that bronzed look.
Here’s to a healthy and happy summer!
