Stay Summer Weekend Healthy

Five Simple Tips to Choosing Good Health on Summer Weekends

We spend the beginning half of the year trying to get ready for summer bodies. Why ruin that body you worked so hard to attain by going all-out crazy on fun summer weekends? And why think only of your physical body? We have five simple tips on how to stay healthy, even when weekend temptations come knocking.

Go outside! Stay outside! There's nothing better in the summer than enjoying summer weather outdoors. Go for long walks. And if the weather doesn't permit it, go to the mall and use that as your indoor track - no running, please.. but you can enjoy a faster pace. Keep your body moving. This is also a good time to take an exercise or dance class, by the way. 

Drink more water. Not only will water help cool you off, it's really important if you're exercising to replenish the water loss. Also, drinking more water could help you eat less of those tempting summer food groups: cookouts and ice cream! 

Eat like it's a weekday.  It's easy to work all week in summer and feel like the weekend is a short vacation. You don't have to "reward" yourself on the weekends by eating like it's your last meal. Choose healthier versions of foods you enjoy, even at the cookout. Having a sweet tooth? Snack on fresh fruits, especially the citrus ones instead of the packaged sweet treats and a weekend of ice cream binges.  

Catch up on sleep. It's summer. It's okay to get rest. Sleep has been found in studies to help reduce stress, increase energy levels and aid in weight loss. 

Turn off negative vibes. Whatever it is. Whether it's negative information or stressors on the news, social media, a friend or family member. Do less of it. Turn off your cell phone for a bit. Stress increases the level of the hormone cortisol which in turn decrease your metabolism - this may cause weight gain; and over a sustained period of time, can do major damage to your body, including your heart muscles. So, chillax.