Tips for Staying Healthy this Summer

If you’re on weight loss journey, summer can be a great time to get outside and be active, travel and eat all the fresh fruits and vegetables this warm weather provides. Unlike the winter months, summer offers more opportunity to burn calories, but also have fun in the process. Here are a few tips for staying healthy and active this summer to stay on track with weight loss.

Outdoor Activities

Being outside is beneficial in many ways, especially if you’re looking to stay active. People tend to become dormant in winter months when it comes to exercising regularly, but in the summer there’s more hours of daylight and nice weather to enjoy exercise in the form of hiking, swimming, kayaking, biking and much more. On those really hot days, going for a walk or bike ride in the evening when the temperature drops can be very relaxing and ensures you’re getting your exercise in for the day.

Staying Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated every day, but during the summer you’re more likely to quench your thirst from the increase in temperature. Drinking plenty of water can fill you up and curb your hunger, as well as maintain hydration. Try to avoid high-calorie, sugary drinks like juice and flavor your water or seltzer with fresh fruit and herbs. Some alternatives to sweet drinks could be adding some lemon slices to iced water, or strawberries and mint make a tasty, refreshing combo.

Grilling

Slimming down during the summer is going to be influenced by your activity level and what you’re eating. Grilling is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the summer and it doesn’t require much effort. It can be hard to avoid the classic grill staples such as hamburgers and hotdogs, but there are many other alternatives that are full of flavor to consume when trying to maintain weight loss. Grilled veggies such as corn, asparagus, zucchini and peppers get a whole different taste profile and will fill you up and keep you satisfied. Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey and salmon are also good options for grilling and can improve body composition.

Fill up on Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

The abundance of fresh produce in the summer make it the perfect time to increase the amount of healthy, whole foods in your diet. Summer fruits have high water and fiber content, which can fill you up with fewer calories and can satisfy your sweet tooth. Going to a pick-your-own farm or farmers market to get fresh produce can also help you boost your step count and eat healthier.

Being on a weight loss journey can be hard at times, it may feel like there’s many limitations and there’s no doubt it’s hard work. But the summertime can be beneficial to a healthy lifestyle in many ways. By following these tips and surrounding yourself with friends and family, you can create a positive, and more enjoyable weight loss journey.