Summer workouts can be fun as well as healthy, as opportunities abound to enjoy the outdoors while you exercise. It’s important to remember, though, that the summer heat can place demands on your body. Paying attention to what you eat, and particularly to hydration, is the key to remaining healthy during the hot summer months. Follow a few simple nutrition tips, and you’ll keep your body functioning at its best.
- Hydrate, but do it right. The summer heat can cause you to become dehydrated, so drink plenty of water. Drink two glasses of water to start your day, and carry a water bottle everywhere you go, to remind you to constantly hydrate. If you exercise for more than 45 minutes at a time, drink a sports drink in the middle of your workout to maintain your energy and endurance.
- Focus on low-calorie protein sources. The summer is the perfect time to do this, because seafood makes a great lunch or dinner. Try grilling salmon, tuna, lobster, steamer clams, and calamari. If you’re craving a burger, opt for a whole wheat bun, lean meat, and healthful—but tasty!—toppings like pineapple, wasabi, guacamole, and feta.
- Make the most of summer produce. Summer brings an amazing array of fresh fruits and veggies, so mix up your choices to keep your meals interesting. Remember, colorful vegetables pack the most potent nutritional kick.
- Don’t forget the most important meal of the day. Eating a balanced breakfast with protein, carbs, and healthy fat can help boost your metabolism and give you energy to fuel your workouts.
- Drink a post-workout smoothie. A blend of your favorite fruits, bolstered with a scoop of whey protein, makes a refreshing beverage that can kick-start the muscle-building process while helping your body recover, and boosting your energy.
- Carry a cooler. Don’t sabotage your run on the beach by hitting the ice cream stand afterward. Instead, take along a cooler with bottled water, healthy sandwiches, pita chips, hummus, fruit, and yogurt. Focus on real food, and you’ll feel healthy and well-nourished.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but good nutrition is just as vital. At our clinic, we work with our patients to determine the best nutritional plan to set them on the path to optimal wellness. For your free consultation, call today.
