Canadians really know how to enjoy the summer. We put up with some pretty harsh winters, so when it comes time for the warm weather, we sure know how to take advantage of the opportunity. And a Canadian summer is filled with so much fun. There’s parties, gettogethers, beach days, road trips, barbecues – the fun is endless. But with all this excitement and soaking up the sun, it’s important that you’re still eating health-consciously.
While you should have fun and enjoy your summer months, some people tend to overindulge this time of year. By the time the summer is over, their beach bodies are gone and they’re needing to kick those bad summer eating habits. Of course, it is still possible to experience all the fun summer has to offer while still eating healthy. Take a look at some of our tips for eating right this summer.
Take advantage of fresh produce.
While summer feels like burgers-and-beer weather, it also happens to be the best time of year for most produce. Be sure to take advantage of all the delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, especially while barbecuing. The occasional burger or hotdog in the summer is fine, but try to eat a balanced meal with some nutritious foods. Throw some corn, mushrooms and asparagus on the BBQ next to your burgers or make some healthy side salads. Burgers are good, but don’t underestimate how delicious fresh veggies can be.
Mix it up with beach snacks.
The beach just seems like the natural setting for the summertime. There’s nothing quite like when you can spend the whole day just hanging out on your beach blanket and enjoying the sun. And of course, bringing a few snacks along on your beach adventures is a good idea. But while it can be pretty easy to grab a few beers and a bag of chips to go, there are some healthier and equally tasty snacks you could choose instead. It’s just as easy to grab a few veggies or nuts on your way out the door. Pack a few healthy sandwiches and you’ll have plenty to snack on without feeling guilty.
Avoid constant snacking.
One of the best things about summertime is that there’s usually a lot of opportunity to spend time with friends and family. You can hangout with old friends, reunite with people you haven’t seen in a long time and just enjoy the company of your loved ones. Of course, at these gettogethers, there’s usually a lot of food. Chips, dips, cheeses – all just laid out, waiting to be enjoyed. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself constantly eating throughout the whole day. Try to stick to regular meals to keep your eating on a schedule.
Stay hydrated.
The hot weather is more than welcome after the long winter, but we may forget how taxing being in the sun all day can be. It’s quite easy to get dehydrated at the beach, especially if you’ve been eating salty food and having a few beers. Be sure you’re still getting enough of your daily water intake. Don’t rely on sodas and sugary drinks to keep you hydrated. Bring a bottle of water with you whenever you’re out in the sun. This will help keep you alert in the hot sun as well as full so you can avoid snacking.
Avoid late meals.
As the days get longer, it gets harder to stick to your regular schedule. With the sun still in the sky, you naturally want to stay up later. This often means pushing your meals back late as well. While it’s fun to get the most of the sun, try sticking to a regular mealtime which allows you to properly digest before bed. Eating too late in the night can cause all kinds of gastro problems and make it more difficult for your body to burn off the calories of the day.
Get your exercise in as well.
The weather is great and the beach is right there—it’s hard not to just be lazy and relax all day. But it would be a shame to let the good weather go to waste. Get out for jogs regularly, take up a team sport and enjoy the season. Regular exercise can help you balance those times where you might overindulge. Just beware of the heat and don’t push yourself too hard.