10 Health Tips For Celebrating Summer Festivities
Summer is officially here and with it comes lots of celebrations—grads and dads, 4th of July parties, strolls on the boardwalk, summer vacations, and more. It is often difficult to stick to your healthy habits once the summer comes around. We may find ourselves being tempted by all of the things we’ve been so good at avoiding all year. But don’t stress! There are in fact many ways to keep your healthy habits during the summer festivities and parties.
This week’s blog covers ten tips to keep your healthy habits on track this summer.
- Eat a healthy meal before you go: Save some time to eat a healthy meal before you leave for your summer celebrations. This way you’ll be less likely to fill up on chips and snacks once you get to the party.
- Sandwich Sippers: The term “sandwich sippers” is meant to encourage people to drink a full glass of water in between any alcoholic or caffeinated drink. You’ll not only keep yourself hydrated but will help decrease the chances of feeling hungover or sluggish the next day.
- Look at your progress you’ve made already: Reflecting is one of the best ways to remind yourself of how far you have come. Before you visit your summer parties, remind yourself of all the healthy things you have done this year. Once you reflect, then ask yourself if it is really worth it to break those habits. Indulging here and there is normal, but the more you indulge, the harder it is to get back on track.
- Look for the veggies and skip the dips: While veggies are an amazing snack, the dips provided with them are often not. They are loaded with salts, sugars, preservatives, and may even contain unhealthy fats. Instead of reaching for the dips, try to get used to eating raw veggies rather than having them slathered in these unhealthy ingredients. In the end you will be creating a new habit in addition to cutting back on unnecessary calories.
- Have a game plan in your head: If you know you will be attending a party this summer then it is best to create a game plan in your head. You know what temptations will be presented so decide beforehand on what choices you’re going to make. That may even include bringing your own food choices or beverages.
- Leave fireworks to the professionals: It is tradition for fireworks to be set off on the 4th of July, however it is often unsafe. Keep the lighting of fireworks to the professionals and you can help to prevent an unnecessary injury. Instead of lighting your own fireworks, research some local firework shows and make a fun night out with the family. It can be the difference of a fun night out and a possible trip to the hospital. Plus fireworks can be upsetting to veterans and those suffering with PTSD so setting them off in your neighborhood can be triggering for them.
- Wear sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must especially during this time of year. The sooner we start protecting our skin, the better. This can help not only us age better, but help prevent the development of skin cancers. Make sure to re-apply every 2-3 hours or after excessive swimming and sweating.
- Make sure you’re using a clean grill: Barbecuing is a tradition for many families. However, these grills can hold a lot of bacteria if they are not cleaned correctly. Make sure that before and after you use your grill you are cleaning it properly with the correct supplies. This should be habit that is performed regardless of the summer or not.
- Start an annual tradition: Families have tons of traditions whether it is for Christmas, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. However, there is always more room for holiday traditions. For example, the summer is usually a time for families to gather together and celebrate with a barbecue and a beach day. Whatever you and your family prioritize as fun, you should begin to create some sort of tradition surrounding it. Traditions help to pass along memories as well as give opportunities to make new memories.
- Skip the sugary drinks and soda: These drinks hurt us more than help us so avoiding them is ideal. The best thing we can do for our body is to drink water. Water is so important for our bodies; it lubricates our joints, delivers oxygen throughout the body, regulates body temperature, helps with weight loss and so much more.
Keep these ten tips in mind as you enjoy the summer holiday festivities. Our goal for you is to create healthy habits for life. Trying to incorporate them into your lifestyle is key. You’ll not only feel and look better, but have more energy too.
