Summer is the time to enjoy being outside and feeling revitalized after a whole year of school. Many people find that they feel healthier and more vibrant during this season. It’s important to stay healthy over the summer in order to feel energized and to make the most of the precious 10 weeks of vacation. Here are 10 fun and easy ways to keep well during the summer months:
1. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated during the warm summer weather. When it’s warm outside, our body perspires heavily and looses fluids at a much faster rate. Remember to drink fresh water often, even if you might not feel thirsty, in order to replenish lost fluids and hydrate your body. Aim for about 8 cups of water a day.
2. Eat lots of fresh fruits
Summer is marked with the availability of delicious fruits such as mango, berries, and avocado, so have a feast on these delectable delights while they are aplenty. These fruits are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.
3. Load up on vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential in boosting your immune system and thereby increasing your resistance to stress and infections. Great sources of vitamin C include summer fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, mangoes, and peppers.
4. Eat your oranges
Incorporate foods that are high in beta-carotene into your diet to help prevent sunburn. Foods that are rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, apricots and sweet peppers (orange food) can help protect your skin against sun damage. An extra bonus- eating a lot of orange food slowly turns the skin orange…a natural tan?
5. Watch your portion sizes
With summer bbqs and picnics, it’s easy to get carried away eating. One way to manage portion sizes is to use smaller plates and bowls. For example, fill a small plate with chips instead of eating right out of the packet.
6. Eat high fiber foods
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains, all foods high in fiber, fill you up without adding calories. In addition, eating plenty of fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. In other words, it relieves constipation.
7. Plan and pack ahead
If you are traveling, pack a bag for a better selection of foods instead of being limited to the choices at convenience stores and fast food restaurants. In addition to feeling better and lighter, you will also save yourself some cash.
8. Cut down on salt
Limit high-sodium foods like hotdogs and chips, which can cause water retention and affect your blood pressure.
9. Lower your sugar consumption
We all know that sugar rots our teeth, but did you also know that sugary foods are loaded with calories which, when converted, produce heat? So instead of feeling refreshed after eating ice cream, you end up feeling hot which is definitely not comfortable during summer.
10. Keep your cool!!!
The summer weather is in itself already very warm so don’t make it warmer with your flared-up emotions. Try to stay cool and fresh physically, mentally and emotionally. Don’t let anything ruffle you. Smile, relax, and give yourself a break. After all, summer is a season of sun and fun.
