Summer will be here before you know it. If you plan on going to the beach and attending backyard parties with friends, you’ll want to look your best. For many of us, this summer will be the first time we’ve been able to see friends and loved ones in person in over a year. You can make the occasion even more special by being in your best health. Here are some tips for getting healthy just in time for the summer season.
Get Moving
Many of us have been working from home during the pandemic which likely means we’ve been spending a lot of time sitting in front of a computer. Spending more time at home and trying to deal with the stress of the pandemic while completing work assignments and taking care of children may have also led you to indulge in snacks as often as you want since the kitchen is easily accessible. To prepare for summer, you should make an effort to move more. The CDC recommends getting in 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. Taking a walk in the mornings before you sit down to work or in the evenings after dinner can give you a renewed sense of energy and help you manage your weight as you enter the summer season.
Reduce Sugar
Sugar adds calories to your foods and drinks and can make you sluggish, especially in the afternoons when you’re likely to hit an energy slump. Reduce some of the sugar in your diet by drinking sparkling water with a hint of fruity flavor instead of soda. You can also add a little fresh fruit to purified or spring water to enhance the flavor and motivate you to stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to reduce the sugar in your diet by snacking on fresh fruit instead of processed foods like pastries or cakes and including more whole grains in your diet to keep your glucose levels balanced.
Begin an Intense Workout Program
Whether you want to start working out regularly or need to intensify your current exercise plan, a 90-day body transformation program can help you reach your fitness goals. Not only will you lose weight, but you’ll also engage in workouts that sculpt your body and help to give you the shape you want. You’ll find that you look better in your clothing and have more energy and flexibility. Lifting weights, increasing your cardio, and practicing healthy stretching and breathing techniques can lead to significant changes in your body that will make you even more confident in your summer outfits and swimsuits.
Stay Healthy
If you haven’t been drinking enough water in the seasons leading up to summer, train your body to stay hydrated so you can combat the summer heat. Adults should drink about eight glasses of water every day. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors this summer, you should drink water often to reduce the chances of heatstroke. Water can prevent fatigue by cleaning toxins out of your body and keeping your internal organs functioning properly. Drinking water regularly also helps to keep your brain’s serotonin and dopamine levels balanced, so staying hydrated can improve your mood as well. Water also helps to reduce constipation and headaches so you can focus on all the fun summer activities you’ve planned with your family and friends. Before you start spending hours outdoors in the summer heat, start drinking an extra cup of water each day and increase your water servings gradually so your body will get accustomed to being properly hydrated.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Summer is all about barbecues and picnics. If you want to indulge in some of the decadent treats that the summer brings, start adopting a healthier diet so you’ll feel less guilty about “cheat days” during the summer. Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, consume lean meats and healthy forms of protein such as raw nuts and organic tofu, and choose low-fat or dairy-free ice cream when you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.
These practical tips will make it easier for you to stay healthy during the summer season and will get you prepared for the summer fun you’ve been waiting for.
