Everyone thinks of January as the right time to make healthy resolutions. A few months later, though, most people have reverted to their old habits. That makes summer a good time for you to recommit yourself to good health. This year, follow these five tips to stay healthy. They will help you look and feel better.
Title Image via Flickr by Konstantin Zamkov
Get Plenty of Exercise While the Weather’s Nice
Summer’s warmth makes it the perfect time to improve your physical fitness. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to start training for a marathon, but you should get outside to engage in some activities.
According to guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, each week. You should also perform muscle-strengthening activities, like yoga or lifting weights, at least two days each week.
If you’re already in pretty good shape, you can replace the 150 minutes of brisk walking with 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activities like jogging or running. You still need to engage in muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days.
Of course, you can always meet these guidelines by participating in fun activities like playing tennis, soccer, or golf. Anything that keeps you motivated will help you stay healthy this summer.
No matter where in the world you live, there’s really no excuse to not be getting out and exercising. Imagine you live in Singapore City, the fashion capital of Asia: You could hire the help of a personal trainer Singapore for example or simply just sign up to the gym.
Wear Sunscreen When You Go Outside
You may love spending time in the summer sun, but you have to protect yourself from harmful rays that can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen is the easiest way to stay safe. It’s best to choose a water-resistant sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. Look for products with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Realistically, the best sunscreen is the one that you don’t mind wearing every day. Try several to find one that feels good on your skin. You should also consider whether you need a sunscreen designed for dry skin, oily skin or for skin that is prone to acne. If one formula doesn’t work well for you, move on to another highly rated option.
Stay Covered When You’re in the Sun
Sunscreen isn’t the only way to protect yourself from the sun. If you plan to spend extended time outdoors, consider wearing one of the following:
- Hats with brims that shade your face and neck
- Long-sleeved shirts that cover your arms
- Sunglasses that protect your eyes
Some companies make sun-protective clothing that blocks harmful rays. If you enjoy spending a lot of time on the golf course or in your garden, you should buy a UPF-rated outfit.
Eat More Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Farmers work hard all summer to grow nutritious foods for their communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to add healthful, delicious choices to your diet. You may even want to visit your local farmers’ market to get the freshest foods possible.
Here are some foods to look for:
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Squash
- Apples
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Beets
By eating fresh foods on most days, you can shed pounds and gain more energy. Plus, you can feel okay about occasionally indulging in burgers and beer when you go to a cookout. As long as you’re eating a balanced diet, you can make a little room for guilty pleasures.
Add Supplements to Your Diet
As you get more active this summer, you may need to add some supplements to your diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are great, but they may not meet your specific nutritional needs. Also, you’ll have a few days when you’re too busy to eat a proper meal. You can still stay healthy with Amway products like BodyKey Meal Replacement Shakes, which give you 16 grams of protein and 22 essential vitamins and minerals.
Look for supplements and meal replacements designed just for you. A 40-year-old man, for example, needs a different level of nutrition than a 25-year-old man. Those approaching middle age should embrace the body’s changes and alter their diet to stay healthy.
Summer gives you the chance to spend more time outside enjoying your favorite activities. This year, make sure you stay healthy by following these tips.
