Summer is a time for barbecues, pool time, walks, and vacations—all of which are a lot more fun when you’re feeling healthy. Use these tips to get your body feeling your best this summer, from your head all the way down to your toes.
Seize the summer day.
There’s no day like today to establish a healthy lifestyle. Summer is an ideal time, with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits available at farmer markets and roadside stands and great grilling weather, to eat right and embrace better health.
- Try out new dishes and recipes that include fruits and vegetables, such as kabobs, smoothies, and steamed dishes.
- Replace junk food snacks with healthy alternatives.
- Use an app or dietary journal to track your intake to make sure you are sticking to a healthy diet.
- Stay hydrated to improve your overall health.
Limit your soda intake.
Soda and summer barbecues go together like peanut butter and jelly. Unfortunately, those delicious soft drinks, even diet sodas, contain sugar which is not beneficial to your overall health and attacks your teeth and causes decay.
- Substitute soda with a healthy alternative beverage.
- Use a straw when you drink soda.
- Drink water after soda (or instead of soda), and swish in your mouth to reduce the amount of sugar on your teeth.
- Avoid sipping a soda for long periods of time.
Enjoy the great summer weather.
An active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle. Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather to improve your overall health by getting out.
- Establish regular, fun exercise times (volleyball, walks, runs, swimming etc.)
- Keep a regular schedule of exercise with a buddy to help you stick to your routine.
- Use an app to track your steps and exercise routine for better accountability.
- Participate in a 5K, 10K, or community bike ride so you have a goal to work toward.
- Apply sunscreen regularly to keep your skin healthy during exercising.
- Make sure you get enough sleep every night to maintain your new, active lifestyle.
Take time for appointments.
Don’t let your summer get so busy that you don’t take time for your routine and preventative care.
- Schedule your annual exam with your doctor.
- Brush your teeth regularly and floss every day.
- Get your smile straightened with invisible braces, which require less appointments than traditional braces.
- Schedule regular dentist appointments and cleanings.
