All those cute bikinis, cut-offs and sundresses are motivation to stay fit this summer but with all the ice cream, cookouts and graduation parties, it can be difficult not to gain a bit of weight. There is no need to completely avoid that margarita, here are some simple tips on how to stay healthy and look great this summer.
Start with breakfast. Everyone knows how important it is to start your day with a healthy breakfast. Starting your day with a healthy and filling breakfast kick starts your metabolism and gives you the necessary energy to keep you going all day. But, with our busy schedules it can be hard to eat healthy when on the go. Try making homemade smoothie packs (like these one’s here) that you can keep in your freezer and quickly whip up in the morning; or experiment with overnight oatmeal recipes for healthy complex carbs and antioxidants.
Stick with the 80/20 rule. There is so much tempting foods to eat in the summer and there is no reason why you can’t have that ice cream cone. But, maybe not the best idea to have the ice cream cone, the burger and the fries if you are trying to stay fit. Instead, try eating healthy and clean 80% of the time and indulging in a treat 20% of the time. This could be either enjoying one small treat a day or splurging once a week on a big meal. This way you can still enjoy the yummy foods you like without feeling deprived.
Stay active. There is so many ways to stay active in the summer. Instead of going out for drinks with your friends, why not organize a game of sand volleyball instead? Or, try exploring a new park (pack a picnic!), go on a hike or try paddle boarding. Take a day trip to the Twin Cities! You can rent bikes, kayaks and paddleboards and take them on Lake Calhoun for a decent price (check it out here.)
Load up on fruits and veggies. With graduation parties and barbecues every weekend it can be tempting to load up on chips, beer and graduation cake. Instead, fill up at least half your plate with fruits and veggies and opt for water instead of soda or alcohol. By all means, go for a burger, brat or grilled chicken (yay, protein!) but try it on a bed of lettuce if you want a lighter option, and sub the mayo for avocado spread.