Simple Healthy Summer Tips

By Laura Jayne Parson, On My Own Editor

In 2005 I weighed 235 pounds.  I was unhealthy, unhappy, and finally motivated to do something about it.  I started slowly, visiting the gym for 45 minutes a day and slowly re-learned how and what to eat.  I lost over 120 pounds, but I still struggle with the same things I did seven years ago: eating a lot of the right things at the right time, a little bit of the the indulgent things, and integrating regular activity into my life (I recently completely my first and second marathons)!  Summer makes the activity part a little easier - its easier to be motivated to be active when it is gorgeous outside.   But it also makes it harder - the last time I checked, the ballpark doesn't sell salads.  Or protein bars. Or cheap bottled water.

It's still possible to be healthy during the summer though, and even lose a few pounds if you integrate a few small things into your life:

1.     Walk everywhere.  It's nice outside, so park at the far end of the parking lot.  Need to visit your neighbor? Go to church?  Walk there.  Bonus: this helps the environment too!

2.    Pick lean meats for your next BBQ. That alone can save you over 200 calories!  Choose chicken instead of a burger, and you've saved 200 more by going bunless!

3.    Eat before you go to the ball game and snack on peanuts if you must eat something! Nuts are filling and full of good protein and fat.

4.    Choose the right BBQ sides: vinegar-based coleslaw over creamy; mustard over mayo; vinaigrette over ranch salad dressing; and grilled veggies over fries.  Must flavor your corn?  Try a little olive oil and chili powder instead.

5.    Carry water with you everywhere.  Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is the equivalent, metabolism-wise as running a mile! Don't forget that you have to add a glass of water for every glass of beer, tea, and coffee you drink since they dehydrate you!

6.    Eat whole grains.  Studies have shown that individuals who eat enough fiber (like the fiber in whole grains and vegetables) are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.  Plus, it makes things a little more... Comfortable.  If you know what I mean?

7.    Eat probiotics.  Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that help us to digest food more efficiently, which has a significant impact on weight maintenance and loss.  You can find probiotics in my favorite, kombucha, but also yogurt, kefir, and supplements like Culturelle. 

8.    Replace full-fat frozen treats with Article Zero products or frozen yogurt and kefir. It's as delicious and refreshing without weighing you down.  Plus, you can eat more without feeling guilty.  That's my favorite part!

9.    Choose active family/friend gatherings.  Still plan the BBQ, but start with a friendly (or not so friendly) flag football game, volleyball match or even a family 5k!  Then you can indulge without feeling guilty.

Pretty simple tips - that won't make you feel like you can't enjoy the heat!

What are your simple healthy summer tips? Don't forget to enter our Single's Writing contest!