Sticking to Your Healthy Summer Diet

For many of us, sticking to your healthy summer diet can be a challenge for many different reasons. For one, when it’s 95 degrees outside and we’re trying to stay cool, it’s no fun to heat up the house even more by turning on the oven or stove. Not to mention, we are more likely to purchase sugary and high-calorie foods like ice cream or popsicles when the weather is warm. We also might eat more snacks and sweet treats when visiting with friends, going on vacation, or attending summer get-togethers. 

It’s okay to indulge in treats every once in a while, but it’s important to keep ourselves from continuously having those cravings and find ways to eat healthy in the summer.

 

Follow these 6 simple tips to feel better about your summer diet!

1. Eat breakfast every morning.

   A lot of people skip breakfast on most mornings for numerous reasons. Some people don’t like breakfast foods, while others simply don’t feel hungry when they wake up and don’t want to get too full before lunchtime. 

   Many people don’t realize that breakfast is actually the most important meal of the day. Even if you sleep in, it is important to eat breakfast as soon as you wake up, because it gives you the fuel you need to get you through the day. Not to mention, our metabolism slows when we sleep, so food is necessary in the morning to speed up our metabolism.

   While sweet and sugary breakfast foods like pop tarts or donuts may catch our eye on the grocery aisle, proteins and whole grains are hardier and much healthier to have in the mornings. This doesn’t mean you should never treat yourself, it just shouldn’t be a daily option. Save the donuts for special occasions!

   Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and whole grain cereals are some great daily options that will give you a lot of energy that you can use on a hot summer day.

2. Eat lots of fruits and veggies.

   Many fruits and vegetables are in-season during the summer, meaning they cost less and taste the best! You can’t go wrong with any fruits and vegetables, because they all have a multitude of health benefits and necessary vitamins that will make you feel great after eating them. This is the easiest method for sticking to your healthy summer diet.

   Many people crave less food or lighter meals in the summertime, and cold fruits and vegetables are great healthy ways to cool down while enjoying a meal. Salads are great options in the summer, and you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven and heating up the house.

   The summer is also a great time to pick up delicious fruits and veggies from your local farmers market, like the Pleasanton Farmers’ Market a couple streets away from Body Balance!

   You can have a morning fitness workout or massage from Body Balance, and then pick up some delicious fresh food from the farmers’ market, all on the same day. That is one of the benefits of our location, right in the heart of Downtown Pleasanton.

3. Drink water all day, every day.

   Water is important for our health no matter the season, but even more water is necessary when the weather is hot. Aside from keeping us from getting dehydrated, water also benefits us by nourishing our skin, letting our muscles work properly, and keeping us full between meals.

   It also prevents heat stroke and hypothermia by keeping our bodies cool.

   We may often forget to drink water, especially if we are always on the go. It is important to always bring a reusable, insulated water bottle with you so you can refill it wherever you are. These bottles are also great because you can fill it with ice cubes if you would like, to keep the water extra cold and refreshing. 

   Eating produce with a high water content will also help you fulfill your hydration needs. Some great fruits and veggies for staying hydrated are cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, and pineapple. 

4. Travel with healthy snacks.

   We all know what it’s like to go grocery shopping before a vacation or road trip. More times than not, we reach for some sugary snacks to munch on during the car ride. But, these snacks are not filling enough or healthy.

   Some great alternatives are pre-cut veggies and hummus, whole grain crackers and peanut butter, and unsalted nuts. These are easy to eat when they’re already prepared, and they are filling for long car rides or flights. They are also great to have when you’re staying in a hotel room and are looking to save money on restaurants. These snacks keep you from needing to eat out for three meals a day.

5. Be intentional, even at special events.

   Intentional portion control is always important, but it’s especially important when you’re not able to control the ingredients going into the food you’re eating, like when you eat at a restaurant or a friend’s house. When it’s possible, you should choose foods that will fill you up without slowing you down.

   A great option is to fill half your plate with vegetables, add 4-5 ounces of protein, and 1/2 cup of carbs. A small dessert is also okay, like a cookie or a mini cheesecake.

   When you’re at that summer barbecue, you can make your meals healthier by skipping the burger bun and opting for green veggies rather than potato salad. When you’re at an event with a pre-set menu, try choosing a lean protein like chicken or fish, if it’s an option.

6. Don’t feel guilty for treating yourself.

   Everyone loves going on summer vacations, attending barbecues with friends, or enjoying ice cream with the family. It is important to enjoy these treats in moderation, and never feel guilty about having them every once in a while!

   You want to live a fun, fulfilled life while staying healthy and well. If you feel that you overindulged one day, water, fruits, and vegetables will help you recover and feel a lot better afterwards.

Developing Your Summer Nutrition Goals at Body Balance

If you’re looking for guidance to help you develop some nutritional goals and a healthy eating plan for the summer, look no further than Body Balance Pleasanton. Our certified nutritional coaches can help you assess your goals and develop a personalized plan with foods you like, to help make your nutrition journey enjoyable and easy. Not only that, but if you are looking for help sticking to your healthy summer diet or an all-around health and wellness plan, Body Balance is the place to be. 

Body Balance is a one-stop shop for getting individual personalized fitness training sessions, small group workout classes, therapeutic and recovery massages, and nutritional coaching. Like we always say, Our Passion is Your Wellbeing!

 

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“6 Healthy Summer Eating Tips.” YMCA, 16 Aug. 2021, lafayettefamilyymca.org/6-healthy-summer-eating-tips/. 

Yang, Sarah. “Finally, Some Healthy Summer Eating Tips That Don’t Suck.” WhoWhatWear, 3 July 2019, www.whowhatwear.com/healthy-summer-eating-tips.