Warm-Weather Wellness
10 not-so-obvious tips to stay healthy this summer
By Ali Brigham, Certified Holistic Health Coach
charlottenutritionandwellness.com
Summers are delightful. Soaking up the sunshine, attending pool parties and spending time with loved ones are just some of the pastimes to enjoy, especially after being cooped up in the house all winter. Engaging in lots of physical activity is also important for your mental health and overall well-being. So, get out there! When you do, consider these not-so-obvious tips to stay healthy this summer.
Tip 1: Don’t drink Sports Drinks. The Southern summer heat is a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re competing in a race or just having fun outside, drink coconut water or prickly pear cactus water. Not only will they more effectively hydrate your body because they are loaded with naturally occurring electrolytes, but they don’t contain all the yucky, energy-sapping dyes and chemicals that most store-bought sports drinks have.
Tip 2: Avoid traditional sunscreens. The best way to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays is to sit in the shade or under an umbrella and wear protective clothing, such as a hat and a rash guard or cover-up. When you do have to face UV rays, nontoxic, mineral-based sunscreens are safer.
Tip 3: Practice a post-party cleansing ritual. It might sound spooky, but it’s simple. If you engage in a lot of adult-beverage drinking, attending cookouts and soirées this summer (which you should; there’s no shame in the game), follow this routine before bedtime. Drink 16 ounces of pressed green juice with generous squeezes of fresh lemon and lime. This beverage will prepare your body to wake up refreshed and hydrated. Green vegetable juice and low-sugar citrus fruits are detoxifying, alkalizing and hydrating. Arguably, it’s the best hangover-prevention concoction out there! Suja makes a brand called Uber Greens, which contains no sugar. You can also buy fresh, organic green juice at any juice bar, such as Clean Juice.
Tip 4: Purchase certain fruits and vegetables at the “right time.” Local, in-season produce will give your body the best nutrient bang for your buck. Produce picked closer to “today” is fresher and sweeter and contains more nutrition because it’s allowed to ripen fully while still in the soil. Shopping at local farmers markets, such as The Village at Robinson Farm Farmers Market, will provide an array of local, in-season produce. Consider it your weekly healthy field trip. Purchasing in-season produce is also a great way to save big bucks. For instance, summer is the best time to buy arugula, basil, corn, okra, beans, peppers, cantaloupe, tomatoes, raspberries and watermelon.
Tip 5: Expose yourself. Tee hee. Experts concur consistent exposure encourages usage. Surround yourself with fresh fruits and vegetables in your kitchen. Post pictures of healthy meals on your refrigerator. Hang artwork in your home that resembles the outdoors or colorful, fresh food.