Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC
Traditional summertime foods can leave us puffy, bloated, and uncomfortable. Hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salads, sweet tea and ice cream are often considered our summertime menu. Yet the gluten, dairy, sugar and added salt can wreak havoc on how you feel. Combine these foods with an increase in sedentary activities trying to beat the heat, you may find yourself with an expanded waist line and a few extra pounds.
This summer, try to focus on foods and drinks that will cool you down, cleanse you out, and hydrate your system. Fresh, seasonal produce and light summer recipes will delight your senses, kill the cravings for heavy, weighty foods, and help you naturally get rid of the puff and bloat. Mother Nature knew her stuff; there’s a reason that fresh fruit is abundant right now. For more info, check out last week’s blog on seasonal summertime produce.
Here are 3 tips to help you beat the bloat and stay healthy this summer:
Stock Your Fridge!
You may even find your body naturally craving lighter and fresher foods during the summer months. Your body may crave raw, fresh vegetables or fruits to cool you down. Keep your fridge and fruit bowl stocked with summer’s bounty, so these foods are readily available.
Be prepared!
Before heading out to your next summertime bash, fill up your belly at home and bring something healthy to share to the event. This way if you feel the need to eat, you know there is at least one healthy alternative. In addition, you can eat meats without the gluten- filled buns. Avoid the sweets table by snacking on fresh fruit. Fruits are often at their peak in the summer. These fruits are naturally super sweet. They will taste refreshing and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get your groove on!
Summer is a great time to exercise. You can enjoy beautiful weather while swimming, biking, hiking or just taking a stroll. Set a new ritual in your house. Take advantage of the weather and go for a walk together as a family every night after dinner. You can spend quality time together away from electronical devices, doing something active while out in nature.
Summer is the season you want to make sure that you feel your best. So get out there and enjoy your family, friends and the weather while making healthy lifestyle choices.
