How to: Balance Summer Fun with Healthy Habits
Summer is HERE, and I couldn’t be happier! I love the warm weather, long days and trips to the pool. I also love all the summer foods- everything from watermelon and pineapple to burgers and ice cream (and this time of year definitely brings about a lot of good food). Of course it’s also the time of year where we trade in our sweatshirts for swimwear and in general a time where we want to feel good in our bodies.
So, how to you balance wanting to feel (and look) good while not depriving yourself of all the goodies that the summer has to offer? Below are a few pointers from my own experience and tips that have helped clients along the way. Take what works and leave the rest, but definitely give it a read:
5 tips to balance summer fun with healthy habits
Don’t shoot the messenger, but prioritize drinking a ton of water, because staying hydrated is super critical for weight management, bloating, energy, focus and brain fog, fatigue… the list goes on.
Focus on adding IN instead of taking OUT. Try not to deprive yourself of the foods you enjoy because restrictive eating never works and doesn’t allow for that sense of balance. Enjoy your water ice and potato salad, but include the healthier, more nutrient dense foods in between (grilled veggies or a big salad, scrambled eggs and avocado, protein packed yogurt and blueberries… you get the point). One of the best ways to create a sense of balance is by actually eating a balanced diet, which means variety and healthy foods mixed with less healthy, but equally good for you foods.
Be mindful of the mindless grazing and getting into autopilot with your food and eating habits. The more mindful we are the better able we are to pay attention to our hunger cues and cravings and the more power we have to make positive decisions. A good tip is create a plate of food to eat from, instead of picking and grabbing directly from the bowl, bag or dish. This helps you become more aware of what you’re eating and more present with your food so you can enjoy it. Another tip is to be mindful of the bread and notice why you might be eating it. I’ll back up by saying there’s nothing wrong with bread, but it’s an area that we can fill up on easily without much in return. Instead, try to have the burger or hot dog without the bun… and bonus points if you and in those grilled veggies or homemade salad.
I would never tell you to do something I don’t do, so cutting out alcohol isn’t on this list, however, I will provide you with some healthier options for when you are drinking:
Vodka, club soda and fresh lime: This drink is light, refreshing and low in sugar. It’s one of my go-to drinks that even provides some hydration ;).
Red or white wine: It’s simple and contains antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals in our body. It’s obviously still alcohol and contains natural (and sometimes added) sugars, so this is another place to be mindful and incorporate water with your adult beverages.
Be cautious of mixed drinks that have juice or other sugary mixes included. Creamy drinks can also be a sugar and calorie bomb.
Keep up with other routines that help you feel good. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean all your healthy habits and rituals need to go out the window. You may adjust things like the time of day you do your workouts or the length of your meditations, but try not to neglect all the areas outside of food that make you feel your best.
Here’s to a healthy, happy and fun summer!
