It's summer time, which means some good ol' fashioned fun in the sun. You'll work on your tan, maybe meet a cute guy at the beach, and hopefully just relax a lot and recuperate from the school year. The days are longer and the skirts are shorter, and as the temperature rises the skimpier the outfits become. Still, speaking for myself, I know that it's hard to enjoy these finer things in life when you're constantly worrying about the way you look. I personally like to feel healthy and confident every time I put a bikini on, and frankly, I'm just not there yet this summer. Feeling shy in your bathing suit, a pair of short-shorts, or really anything, just isn't fun.
So, like I'm sure most of you have, I've vowed to start going to the gym more often and to cut out all junk food for like the hundredth time. It just isn't as easy as those fitspiration Instagram accounts make it look! Realistically I'll go to Whole Foods, spend $100 on five items, and eat super healthy and organic for like, a day. Then it'll be back to what I'm comfortable with, which unfortunately includes binge eating, picking from the cabinet, and eating late at night, oh and let's not forget late night runs for ice cream! None of these bad habits will help me get where I want to be health-wise.
So, instead of struggling to eat egg whites and grilled chicken for every meal, I've come up with a few tips to keep myself healthy and happy this summer!
1. Drink water.
Sugary drinks are one of the worst things for you! Your body needs water to keep hydrated, especially in the summer. Don't waste your calories on drinks! You should be having at least eight cups of water a day! Water will also make you feel full, which will, in turn, make you less prone to overeating. So start every day with a tall glass of water and follow up with another before every meal.
2. Be active.
Let's face it, we all say we are going to go to the gym, and most of us are still paying a monthly fee, but it can be difficult to fit it in. It's not hard to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day! Whether you belong to a gym or not shouldn't stop you from being active. Make a point of taking the stairs, ride your bike instead of driving (to the ice cream store), jump in the pool and do a few laps, or even go for a nice run on the beach! Anything will help keep your metabolism up and keep you healthy. Enjoy natures bounty with a nice hike and end it with a little picnic (maybe invite the guy from the beach).
3. Prepare your own food.
Yes, we all love going out to eat with our friends, especially in the summer time when we don't have much else to do. Instead, try spending the day out with friends at the beach or the park and packing your own lunch! Making your own food will not only save you money, but it'll save you calories. Restaurants often add unnecessary seasonings and garnishes that only add more sodium and calories to your meal. Preparing your meals yourself assures that you know everything you're putting in your body! This will make for a thriftier, healthier summer. An easy meal that's refreshing as well is an avocado and grilled chicken salad, feel free to add any of your favorite veggies to spice it up, yum!
4. Enlist your family and friends.
It's never easy eating a salad while your friends are chowing down on pizza. Make a pact with the girls to only eat healthy when you're together. Since you spend every day with your friends you can all keep each other in check without feeling guilty. Have your family join in by making one meal a week a raw meal. Salad, veggies and fruit, get creative, or better yet, check out ideas on Instagram.
Not that I'm the best example when it comes to being fit, but I definitely know I want to keep my body healthy and happy this summer. There's no need to hide from taking pictures on the beach this summer! Following these tips will help you look and feel better in those short-shorts!
