Summer means vacation and travel for many, but some professionals are working through the summer months. If you’re stuck surfing the Internet rather than riding the Florida surf, there is still opportunity for you to reap the healthy benefits of summer.
The key is to intertwine healthy summer activities into all areas of your life, including family activities, social time, and at work. There are simple measures individuals can take on their own, such as:
- Switching up your shopping: Summer is a great season for fresh produce. Organize a family trip to your local farmer’s market and let everyone pick out his or her favorite item.
- Bringing the salad bar to work: Organize a group of coworkers to each bring in one cleaned and chopped fruit or vegetable for a lunchroom salad bar. Mix it up each week, and alternate folks bringing low-fat dressings and healthy toppings like chickpeas or almonds.
- Making a splash: Spend your weekends on the water. Kayaking and canoeing are great for the upper body. Swimming laps provides a low impact, total body workout, while water aerobics classes are a great way to socialize and get in shape.
- Firing up the grill: Try grilling out a few nights of the workweek to achieve weight loss. Grilling lean meats and vegetables is a better choice than prepackaged fried foods. Experiment with different ways to prepare your family’s favorite items, such as grilling watermelon.
Fruits and vegetables in season include tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, blueberries, cantaloupe, and grapefruit. Check: www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org for a full list. Visit www.med-vision.com to view Med-Vision’s quarterly newsletters featuring additional tips for a healthier lifestyle.