Summertime is all here so let the fun begin!! With all the sunshine it seems like the perfect time to be healthy. But without the routines and the vacation mindset, it’s not always easy to maintain those positive lifestyle habits. While it’s taken me a few years to figure these out, I’ve finally gotten to a good balance. So I’m sharing my tips for staying healthy this summer so you can too!
Previously, I used to struggle in the summer months. The kids off from school, lots of get-togethers, and later than usual nights with a few drinks. I still enjoy all the wonderful things that make summer great, but now just make sure I’m checking in with myself to not overdoing it.
8 TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY THIS SUMMER
KEEP YOUR SKIN PROTECTED
Truly you should be wearing SPF all year round. Especially on your face to prevent signs of aging. In the summer, with so much direct sun and more of your skin exposed, wearing sunscreen is a must.
But not all sunscreens are created equally. For the most healthy and safest options, choose a mineral based sunscreen. These are cleaner, meaning they don’t contain potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Also, they sit on top of the skin rather than get absorbed in your body.
My go to sun protection is to start with this tinted moisturizer on my face for a little coverage and SPF base. I then reapply with this Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for Face. For my body, I like the Beautycounter Sunscreen and Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray. I also use both of these on my kids.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER
This one is an obvious, but staying hydrated is so important it’s worth repeating and repeating. It’s not only needed to keep your body functioning at it’s best, it’s sooo good for your skin.
I like to start the day with a glass of water, even before my coffee. Then I keep filling up my glass or water bottle throughout the day. The whole family is also hooked on sparkling water! It’s so fun to try new flavors.
PACK HEALTHY SNACKS
We are a nut loving family. It may make up half of Marielle’s diet. So when I pack up my bag for a boat ride, I like having healthy snacks like nuts available. Fruit is always a great idea, but sometimes not practical with the heat. Trader Joe’s has so many great dried fruits that I buy in bulk. {More on my favorite TJ’s finds in this post}. The dried mangos, cherries and fruit bars are our favorites!
DETOX
All that summer fun can catch up with you. If there have been too many Rosé All Day(s), a detox is just what you need to reset and replenish your system. I like to dedicate a day to eating as healthy as possible: fruits and veggies, no processed foods, light meals and no alcohol. A great smoothie to start the day is a good start.
Sometimes I can go for another day depending on how I’m feeling. You don’t want to put restrictions on for too long, just enough to bring back balance.
REST + RECHARGE
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to grab a great book and lounge by the pool. Right now I’m reading Happy and You Know It and recently finished Such a Fun Age.
Take a nap. Walk on the sand. Put your feet in the water. However you slow down, unplug and unwind, find time to do more of that.
SWEAT
Do you know that there are many healthy benefits to sweating? When we sweat, our bodies release toxins like alcohol and waste to help detoxify the body. It also eliminates salt which can help your kidneys. Also, it helps circulation all throughout the body. So it may be tempting to sit inside an air conditioned room, but try to get outside and break a sweat.
GET MOVING OUTDOORS
One of the easiest way to get sweaty – exercise outdoors! Go for a walk, run, hike. I’ve been practicing my barre instructor routine on the porch since the weather has been so nice. Lots of local studios have online classes these days so grab your portable device and head outdoors.
I have to say, while it’s a challenge to push yourself to exercise after a day of too much eating and drinking, the sweat detox and workout will have you feeling better quicker.
ENJOY IN SEASON PRODUCE
There are those few foods that just remind you of summer. Grab these freshly picked gems or head to your local farm or farmers market to pick them! Eat lots of:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatos
- Corn
- Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Bell Peppers
- Nectarines
I hope you bring these tips for staying healthy this summer well into September!
