Enjoy Summer While Staying Fit
Summer is here, finally! The season is in full-swing and so are barbecues, ice cream stands, and frozen cocktails. If you feel like you’re falling off the wagon, you’re not alone. This is the time of year that we all kick off our shoes, loosen our belts and live a little! You don’t have to apologize. You can enjoy everything summer has to offer without completely sabotaging all of your hard work.
So, go ahead! Have that ice cream cone. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy summer while staying fit.
Exercise in the Morning
Finding the time to workout in the summer can be tricky. Especially when you have graduation parties, weddings, barbecues and family trips planned every weekend. When you put your workout off for later in the day, it’s less likely to happen. You can have results or excuses. Not both. So, just get it done. Set your alarm for an hour earlier and go for a run, lift some weights, or take a group fitness class at the gym. Not only will you feel good about getting it done, but it will free up the rest of your day, rev up your metabolism and get those happy endorphins flowing.
Pack Your Lunch
No matter what time of year it is, packing a healthy lunch is always a good idea. When you leave this simple task undone, it can leave you hungry and making all the wrong food choices. You never want to order lunch on an empty stomach and you certainly don’t want to be reaching for junk! Try making this Chickpea, Avocado and Feta Salad. It’s full of seasonal produce, doesn’t require you to cook a thing and comes together in 15 minutes flat.
Ingredients:
1 can or 19 oz. chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
½ english cucumber (chopped)
4 green onions (diced)
¼ cup parsley (finely diced)
1 avocado (peeled and diced)
1 lime (juiced)
¼ cup feta or goat cheese
(crumbled)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
sea salt and black pepper
(to taste)
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients
together in a bowl and toss.
Divide into bowls and enjoy.
Use That Grill
Barbecue season doesn’t have to be just about hot dogs, burgers and ribs. Grilled vegetables are an excellent way to fill up your plate with flavor and provide your body with the nutrients it desires. Toss your favorite veggies in a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with a bit of sea salt and black pepper and prepare for some serious deliciousness.
Infuse That Sparkling Water
Stay away from sugary iced tea, lemonade, juice and soda. Artificial sweeteners and additives will do your body no good! Quench your thirst naturally. Strawberry Mint Lemon Water anyone? Just take a jar of water, add 3 lemon slices, 2 strawberries, and 1 sprig of mint. Add all ingredients to the jar, cover with the lid and put in the fridge until cool.
Bring Something Healthy
Going to a party with a dish to pass? You don’t have to be the person that brings the dish that everyone loves but hates you for bringing! Try to bring something that will add health benefits to the table and not inches to everyone’s waistline. Take this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad to your next gathering and you will be the talk of the party!
Ingredients:
1 lb. Roma tomatoes
1 English cucumber
1/2 medium red onion sliced
2 avocados diced
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
1/4 cup 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Adopt Some Healthier Camping Habits
Who doesn’t like Smores when they go camping. I know I do! This doesn’t mean your whole diet has to be ruined. Plan ahead and check out some healthy snacks and dinners that everyone can enjoy. It’s the perfect time of year to make Foil Packed Grilled Salmon with Lemony Asparagus. Check out the recipe below.
Ingredients:
20 asparagus spears, trimmed
4 6-oz. skin-on salmon fillets
4 tbsp. butter, divided
2 lemons, sliced
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Torn fresh dill, for garnish
Eat Local
There is something so satisfying about preparing a meal with locally grown produce. Find your nearest farmer’s market or fruit stand. Maybe you have a neighbor with a garden? Grab whatever catches your eye and put it to good use.
Be Active Outdoors
This is the best time of year to take advantage of the warm weather and soak up some vitamin D. Being outside is so therapeutic and has a huge impact on our mental health. Go for a hike, ride your bicycle, rollerblade, swim, kayak, or play beach volleyball. I don’t care what you do as long as you are actively enjoying the outdoors.
In Conclusion:
Summer fly’s by too quickly every year, so try to enjoy all the beauty it has to offer while it’s here. You don’t have to be perfect you just need to be mindful.
Celebrate your healthy habits instead of looking at them as an obligation. Remember, you are making decisions that will make you healthier and fit today, tomorrow and in the long-term. Summer is short and life is good, so soak it up!
I have been a personal trainer for over seventeen years and I absolutely love what I do. I honestly feel that I have one of the best jobs out there! The most rewarding part of my profession is helping one of my clients succeed at reaching their personal fitness goals. Making a difference in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile. I am currently certified by the National Sports Conditioning Association, Apex Fitness Group, and the International Sports Science Association.
