In the summer, eating healthy is usually the last thing on your mind. With all of the traveling and summer holiday fun, it can seem nearly impossible. While it is perfectly normal to indulge in the summer, it is also important to do so in moderation. You should be practicing a healthy lifestyle most of the time so that you can occasionally indulge in fun foods without any of the guilt or health repercussions.
If you know you need to change your eating habits but are unsure where to start, you can try to slowly eliminate the unhealthiest parts of your diet. It is important to be aware of what you are eating and make note of what you could change. A key way to ensure that you maintain a healthy diet is by stocking up on healthy food in your home and cutting back on buying junk food. That way, when you want a snack or have to make meals at home, it will be nearly impossible to eat poorly. Parents should be especially conscious of what they are buying because that is what their children will also be eating. It is important to choose not only healthy foods, but foods that you enjoy and would not mind eating. This will make it much easier to make the switch to a healthier diet.
Below is a list of simple changes you might want to consider to improve your diet and overall health:
- Avoid sugary drinks and opt for water instead
- Start buying whole wheat bread instead of white bread
- Buy healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, raisins, low-fat yogurt, protein bars, oatmeal, or peanut butter pretzels
- Eat more protein to fill you up for longer amounts of time
It’s important to remember that eating healthy is really about giving your body the nutrients it needs. Another key part of maintaining good health is exercise. Just like you should try to choose healthy foods you enjoy eating, you should also try to choose exercises that you find interesting and fun. Below is a list of fun exercise options you may want to try:
- Dancing/Zumba
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Rollerblading
- Kickboxing
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Biking
So remember, great foods plus fun exercise is a definite way to have the best summer yet!
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