The Lazy-ish Days of Summer
Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky is by no means a waste of time. – John Lubbock
The proverbial lazy days of summer are here and we are in the season of relaxation! Summer is that glorious time when every sunny day feels like a mini vacation. It’s time to lay on the grass or sand, walk through the waves, read a light book and lounge by the poolside while we spend our time with family and friends. This is the perfect time to focus on working less, being outdoors more and reveling in the precious longer days with loved ones. That sense of relaxation tends to spill over into our nutrition plan as well. Hot dogs and burgers on the grill, mayonnaise based ‘salads,’ beer, margaritas, sheet cakes and ice cream become a steady staple. An occasional indulgence is ok! But, to stay on track with your goals, summer celebrations need to be balanced with a healthy nutrition plan.
Here are some tips to soak in the season, enjoy your days and nights and still stay on track with your nutrition goals.
Spend Time Outside. Laying on the beach may be your favorite summer pastime, but this is also a time for peak bloom! Working in your garden, meandering through a local botanical garden, exploring some local nature trails, and walking along the beach all bring you closer to nature to enhance your state of relaxation. Pick a new location and explore! You get to spend quality time outdoors while still burning calories to keep you on track.
Be Creative. We all have our old standby recipes. Summer is a perfect time to be creative! Revamp your recipes with a healthy spin to keep you on track with your goals. Or create new recipes. Walk through your local farmer’s market to see what is in season. Pick up some fresh produce and find a healthy recipe to try. Use Pinterest or other recipe websites for inspiration.
Splash of Water. Run through the sprinklers like a kid again, splash through the waves, dive into the deep end. Water is magical, it makes us feel free. It also hydrates us when warm and humid weather hits. Dehydration compromises our metabolism and makes it harder to lose weight. Grab a big glass and sip on water spiked with lemon or other fruits throughout the day for a tasty way to stay hydrated.
Be Picky. We are surrounded by barbecues and beer parties this time of year. Tables and tables of food line our vision. But, you don’t have to eat everything presented to you. Instead, decide on what you want to indulge on and make it count! Only eat what you absolutely love and choose the highest quality. If you like potato salad but love ice cream, only eat the ice cream. If you want a cupcake, forgo the store bought one loaded with preservatives; instead get a fresh cupcake from your local bakery. Pick your high quality ‘cheat’ and savor each bite. You will be more satisfied with your food choice and less likely to mindlessly eat. Load up on clean eats the rest of the time – fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and whole grains – and you’ll easily stay on track.
Relax. Life if about celebrating the connections you have in your life. Summer is the season we catch up with family and friends we may rarely see. Embrace this precious time with your loved ones. Don’t worry about being 100% strict on your diet. Focus mostly on healthy foods, but allow yourself to relax a little to participate in the celebrations that surround you. You may realize your time is more valuable than that bowl of ice cream.
Life is always a balancing act. Summertime is no different. Find your own balance between celebration and quality nutrition. Most importantly, relax and enjoy all that you do this summer!