With the summertime here and in full effect I hope you’re sticking with your New Year’s resolutions to stay healthy and physically fit. Given that the summer is a season of vacations, picnics, cookouts, happy hour, pizza by the slice, ice cream, sugary frozen beverages, and lazy days outdoors, it’s easy to slack off from practicing the healthy behaviors that brought you to where you are today.
So, as you’re enjoying your summer, take full advantage of everyday opportunities to remain healthy. Here are three quick and easy tips for doing this.
Be Physically Active
Summertime is one of the best times to be regularly physically active. Make an effort to spend more time outdoors with activities like biking, swimming, walking, gardening, and recreational sports. Performing such activities continuously for at least 30 minutes a day is a great way to ward off potential weight gain and other health problems during the summer season. Due to increased sun exposure, engaging in outdoor activities is a great way to boost your vitamin D levels.
An adequate amount of vitamin D is needed for intestinal absorption and metabolism of calcium, which is crucial for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
Related Article: Vitamin D: Why You Need it and How to Get It
Incorporate Resistance Training
It’s always important to perform some type of resistance (weight) training at least two days a week. This type of training is critical for maintaining your muscle mass, boosting your metabolism, and enhancing your overall health and well being. If you don’t want to be stuck indoors at a gym during summer months, invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells and an exercise ball instead.
You could also incorporate a body weight training routine comprised of simple calisthenic exercises like burpees, push-ups, dips, squats, lunges, mountain climbers, and planks. Exercising this way gives you the option of training in your backyard or in the comforts of your air-conditioned home.
Related Article: Nine Powerful Exercises Everyone Should Be Doing
Practice Sensible Eating
When it comes to summertime eating, exercise caution with the types of foods you choose. Use this time to enjoy cool and refreshing foods and drinks like fresh vegetable and fruit salads, healthy homemade sandwiches, fruit-flavored sorbets, iced green tea, fresh juice, and, of course, plenty of ice cold water.
If you grill a lot, opt for seafood, poultry, and mixed vegetables, whenever possible and add barbecue sauce in moderation. In addition, when frequenting cookouts, reduce the amount of calories you consume by easing up on classic side dishes like macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw.
Related Article: A Simple Guide to Eating Sensibly
Staying healthy and physically fit during the summer season isn’t rocket science. If you implement simple strategies that promote physical activity and sensible eating you can maintain good health all summer long while looking and feeling great.
Related Article: Three Surprisingly Unique Benefits of Outdoor Exercise
