How to Enjoy the Summertime & Be Healthy, Larry Williams, Health Coach, Transformations Medical Weight Loss Program, Christie Clinic
It’s summertime and we’re ready for all the activities associated the season. Cookouts. Swim parties. Picnics. Vacations. Outdoor family gatherings. All these are great options for enjoying the season but can also cause some stress when considering food options that won’t wreck your health plan. What can you do to still enjoy summer while eating mindfully?
Let’s look at the summer mindset. Enjoyment is critical for the season. Your free time should be pleasurable and not stressful. Here are some suggestions regarding tackling this task.
- Make the events about the relationships. Focus on having a good time when with friends and family. Don’t make the event centered around food. Visit with those at the event. Play games. Listen to music. Go for walks, hikes, or bike rides. These can be times that you are making lifelong memories and forming strong relationships with others.
- Don’t eat your emotions. If your summer event turns into a command performance for you, don’t overindulge in food to mask the experience. This type of eating only provides you with a temporary good feeling or can amplify the negative feeling regarding the situation.
- Piggybacking on the previous eating comment, don’t drink your emotions. Alcohol is wasted calories, leads to poor food choices, and can lead to open the door to other issues, so watch your alcohol intake.
- Stay hydrated! This means water and not iced tea, coffee, or sodas. Heat and humidity can sneak up on you quickly.
- Look at your calendar and plan for food events. If you know you’ll be attending something that involves foods you really like that aren’t the heathiest, make that event a splurge. Eat healthy prior to and after the event.
- If you are hosting and providing the food, have a balance between healthy foods and some splurges. You’d be amazed at how people will appreciate this!
- Add fresh season food into the mix. Vegetables and fruit are abundant this time of year, so use them to your advantage!
Make your summer what you want it to be. Just remember that mindfulness of your health can still be possible while enjoying this wonderful time of year!
