Most of us in New England come out of hibernation during Memorial Day weekend, which seems to be the unofficial start of the summer season. It also seems to be the beginning of the endless cookout party schedule for the next 3 months.
Here are some healthy tips to help you navigate through the summer fun.
Tip 1:
Commit to exercise this summer. Make it part of your schedule. Set time aside during the week to do a family activity such as walking, hiking, or going on a bike ride.
Tip 2:
Schedule your exercise during non-peak sun hours. Avoid exercise outdoors during the hours of 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., unless you’re in a shady place or in water so that you can cool down.
Tip 3:
Don’t forget the Sunscreen. Look for high SPF as well as high star rating for UVA protection. Reapply waterproof sunscreen every 2 hours and 40 minutes after swimming or toweling off. Non-waterproof sunscreen every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or toweling off.
Tip 4:
Drink WATER! Everyone should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day regardless of the weather. It is much easier to dehydrate during the summer months, carry a water bottle with you all day.
Tip 5:
Just because it’s grilled does not mean that it is always healthy. Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish are great grilled. Hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage and other red meats are unhealthy even grilled!
Tip 6:
Have a healthy snack before going to those cookouts/parties. Never attend a party hungry. Before you know it you’re digging into the chips/dips and piling your plate high with potato and macaroni salad. It’s salad so it’s healthy right? Wrong! Regular mayonnaise is pure fat. Think of it this way, would you eat potatoes mixed with Crisco? The fat content in mayo, butter and Crisco is the same!
Tip 7:
Offer to bring some cut up veggies and low fat dip or a big fruit salad to the party. That way you are guaranteed some healthy food choices. Or better yet, make a fun healthy side. See the recipe for Molly’s Crazy Good Potato Salad.
Tip 8:
Grill up some veggies or fruit. Marinate various vegetables in low fat dressing or dress it up with spices and a spray of oil. Peaches, pineapple, and apricots are fantastic on the grill, brush some oil on them and grill it up! Adds some color to your plate and variety to your grill.
Tip 9:
Don’t drink the soda, juice, lemonade, etc. A couple of sugary drinks can add an additional 200 - 300 calories to your day. Water is best. Have non-calorie drinks available such as: Crystal Light or other non-calorie drink mixes, seltzer, caffeine free diet soda, flavored water, etc.
Tip 10:
Go swimming! It’s a great way to cool off and get some exercise at the same time. Do some exercises in the water. Jumping jacks, scissor kicks, leg/arm circles, running in place are all great ways to exercise while cooling off.
