Barbecues, cold fruity drinks, beach vacations - all three are components of a fantastic summer ahead. But remember: it's important not to scrap your clean-eating and exercise habits amidst the seasonal festivities.
These 5 simple tricks will help you stay healthy this summer.
Skip the Cocktails
As soon as patio weather hits, the temptation for cocktails and sugary drinks instantly hits. But cocktails are filled with sugar and empty calories that leave you wanting more. If water isn’t quenching your thirst, try a glass of wine. Most have less calories and you’ll be forced to drink it slower. Bonus: wine also contains antioxidants and lowers bad cholesterol!
Pack on the Fiber
The American Heart Association recommends a daily fiber intake of 25 - 30 grams per day. Unfortunately, the average adult in the United States consumes just 15 grams per day, a fraction of that benchmark. Fiber can improve blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease and obesity. It can even help you lose weight by adding bulk to your diet and making you feel full faster.
But fiber doesn’t just have to come through your daily meals. In fact, IQ BARs are packed with 7-8 grams of fiber and are the perfect treat to snack on throughout your work day or during your vacation.
Vacation Smart
Just because you're not in the office, doesn't mean you should spend your time lounging around! Sure, carve out some time to lay on the beach, but also dedicate an hour each day to exploring your surroundings to get your blood pumping. If you're not the exploratory type, consider going for a bike ride, kayaking, surfing, or hiking - the options are endless!
Stop Eating with Your Technology
We’ve all fallen victim to eating dinner while watching our favorite TV shows. Or maybe scrolling aimlessly through Facebook while having lunch. Especially with the hot summer months ahead, you’ll likely find yourself hiding inside your AC-filled apartment from time-to-time and eating with technology.
It’s time to kick this habit! When you’re distracted, you’re more likely to eat faster and eat more than your body needs to feel full. Try eating with other people - invite them over or go out to dinner and put the phones away! Having a conversation with someone will force you to eat slower and be more mindful of how much you’re eating.
Snack Healthy
With weekend outings to the beach or after-work hikes, it’s easy to pack a $2 bag of chips for the trip. But it won’t do anything to help you maintain that summer body! Most chips are not only unhealthy for you, but will keep you satisfied for a short period of time until you find yourself reaching for more.
Instead, pack some hummus and veggies, or a homemade protein-packed sandwich. Or, grab your favorite IQ BAR, which is filled with 100% non-GMO, real-food-based ingredients that will keep you energized for hours.
All in all, stay true to a healthy lifestyle this summer. Don’t forget to sweat, stay hydrated, and eat right!
