Monday, August 16, 2010

Last month of Summer



Summer is really the best time to get fit. No matter where you live, the weather is most likely to be comfortable most of the time to be outside. Not to mention, it stays light out longer! As we approach the end of summer, there is definitely still enough time to make the most of it.

* Go outdoors! Whether it be taking a short walk after dinners on weekdays, or going to outdoor concerts on the weekends, being outdoors more can make you instantly feel healthier and help you unconsciously move around more. Try bike riding, walking on the beach, anything you like!

* Eat more fruits! That's right, I am telling you to eat more. Summer is really the best time to get a good variety of fruits reasonably priced: cherries, strawberries, kiwis, peaches, melons. If you are not a fruit eater to begin with, don't let these colorful things intimidate you! Stick to the fruits you know you will like but don't be afraid to try new ones once in a while. Make it a challenge among your family and friends to eat at least two servings of fruit a day. Try fruits with breakfast and as a snack. Be wary of juices and smoothies though as they tend to be high in calories and laden with sugar.

* Eat when you are hungry! As temperature heats up, our appetites actually go down. We can capitalize on this natural phenomenon by reminding ourselves to eat when we are hungry, not when the clock says "meal time." Ask yourself if you are truly hungry, or if you are eating because you are bored, because it is noon-time, etc.