3 Ways to Have a Healthier Summer

Summer is here and there is no better time to work on getting a little healthier. Here are three simple steps you can take now to improve your health.

Get Moving

With warmer weather it’s easier to get outside for some exercise. Regular exercise helps you lose weight, control blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. You may find you sleep better, have more energy, and just feel better overall. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. This could be 30 minutes, 5 times a week, or broken up into smaller chunks of time more often through the day. If you’re new to exercise be sure to check with your physician before starting an exercise program. Choose something you like to do and get moving!

Drink Enough Water

Our bodies don’t run efficiently without adequate water. It’s essential for maintaining body temperature, moving nutrients throughout the body, keeping body tissues and joints lubricated, and carrying out waste products. During the summer you may need even more water due to increased sweating as the body tries to cool itself during the warmer weather. Drink enough to quench your thirst and keep your urine clear to light yellow. Have a water bottle handy and sip it throughout the day. Fill a pitcher with water and try to drink all of it by the end of the day.

Eat Your Colors

How do you eat a color, you ask? Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Many more colorful fruits and vegetables are available during the summer so it’s a little easier to get in the recommended 5+ servings of fruit and vegetables each day. If you can, buy local at a farmer’s market, or grow your own. The fresher the produce the more nutritional value remains. Although including any fruit or vegetable is healthy, those with deeper colors of red, green, orange, or purple seem to be highest in antioxidants and other nutrients. Why not try some new ones this summer?

Thank you for sharing!