Get set for a healthy summer!

The perfect summer’s day is different for everyone. For me, a lovely warm afternoon filled with wonderful memories is the perfect setting and then a calm and cool evening watching the sunset, eating good food and dining alfresco tops the day off perfectly. As much as we all love summer, our health can be affected by our lifestyles in both positive and negative ways, but here we look at a few ways to help you feel your best.

Keep active

The summer season is the perfect time to get physically healthy and naturally with longer days, we have more time to be active. Whether you are taking the kids to the park, enjoying some gardening or starting a new exercise regime, it’s important to get out and keep active. If you find that the summer heat is an issue for you then:

• Avoid exercising in the hottest part of the day
• Wear sun cream, even on cloudy days
• Wear light and loose clothing
• Keep hydrated

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated throughout summer is essential as we lose a large amount of fluid from our bodies in the form of sweat. Did you know that approximately 60% of your body is made up of water? That is why it’s essential that we keep hydrated as it’s important for our kidneys and other bodily functions. Keep an eye on the colour of your urine as it can help you monitor your hydration levels. Read our post about staying hydrated.

Diet

Over the summer months, some people find it hard to watch what they eat as their social lives blossom, the barbeque makes its debut, and a summer drink or ice cream in the garden becomes a regular occurrence. It’s good to enjoy yourself, and seasonal summer foods can be the perfect way to get your diet and nutrition at its peak during the summer months. If you are looking to get into gardening or growing your own vegetables, then read more about the benefits of gardening.

Seasonal summer produce and summer foods in the UK include (these can be found at local supermarkets and farmers markets): Cherries, Beetroot, Broccoli, Carrots, Courgettes, Cucumber, French Beans, Green Beans, Lettuce, Mangetout, Peppers, Potatoes, Onions, Peas, Radishes, Rhubarb, Rocket, Runner Beans, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Fresh Tomatoes and Watercress.

Further quick and easy summer meal ideas include grilled chicken breasts or grilled fish with soy sauce, summer salads with a small splash of olive oil (mozzarella and tomato salad, pasta salad full of fresh basil, black beans salad, potato salad) and fresh veggies or sweet potato fries as a side dish.

Mental Health

Your mental health can be affected in many ways throughout the summer. With kids off school, this can throw our schedules out of the window, which can be a stressful time for many with the need to juggle a work/home life calendar. Keeping your calendar organised can help reduce your stress levels and if you are feeling overwhelmed then it’s important to talk to either your family, friends or GP about any worries you have regarding your mental health. If you find that your confidence levels are low during the summer months as you are conscious about your body then read our blog post about boosting your confidence.