Summer is in full swing!
With hopefully a little more downtime, we just wanted to reach out to offer some support, and remind you that you don’t have to deprive yourself this summer. You can still have some fun while enjoying summer activities like camping, grilling, and bonfires while staying on track with your nutrition goals.
We encourage you to enjoy your life so that you can adopt healthy habits over the course of your lifetime, not just for the short term. Here’s a couple of simple tips you can try that can keep you having fun, but on track with your goals this summer!
Tip #1 – Stay hydrated!
Remember that if weight loss is a goal of yours, hydration is important! Along with balanced plates of healthy carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats, don’t forget to drink water! With some added heat, make sure to avoid dehydration by drinking 60-80 oz. of water a day to support your activity, as well as your weight loss goals.
Tip #2 – Make healthy substitutions at your summer gatherings!
We are not going to recommend skipping the fun summer gatherings. You can still be social and have some fun while staying committed to your nutrition goals. Remember to use the plate method as your guide to reshape your party plate to include ½ plate of non-starchy veggies, ¼ plate of lean protein, and ¼ plate of complex carbohydrates.
Examples of these that are found at summer gatherings, and some ideas and recipes from Healthy Steps Nutrition that you can bring to your next summer get together: The Cedar Plank Salmon is my favorite!
- Non-starchy veggies: cut up broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce salads, and kale chips: https://healthystepsnutrition.com/recipe/baked-kale-chips/
- Lean protein: grilled chicken or cedar plank salmon: https://healthystepsnutrition.com/recipe/cedar-plank-salmon/
- Complex carbohydrates: grilled sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, or southwestern salad: https://healthystepsnutrition.com/recipe/southwestern-salad-2/
Tip #3 – Stay active despite the heat!
Beat the heat and avoid the temptation to stay inside when the weather gets warm. Maybe this is a time to entertain a morning workout class, or an evening run when temperatures are cooler. Challenge yourself to train for and compete in a local endurance event, or sign up for some PT at the gym to target your weaknesses and switch up your training.
Have fun and stay on track so that when Fall arrives, and you start looking at being in shape for the holidays, you won’t have the pressure of feeling like you are starting back at square one.
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