By Shaina Zazzaro
We wait all year for summer — for the sunshine, the outdoors, the cookouts and, sometimes, the cocktails. Here are some tips to keep healthy during the summer without sacrificing your health.
1. Move. Even if you are on vacation, don’t forget to at least get your steps in. When people ask me how many steps they should get, it’s sort of subjective. For example, if you are completely sedentary and are only walking 2,000 steps a day, moving even an extra 1,000 is beneficial. Remember, any movement is better than no movement. If you are a relatively active person you should strive for a minimum of 8,000 steps a day! Remember, the more you move, the better you will feel!
2. Meal Prep. Yes, I may be the queen of meal prep, but it is honestly the best way for you to be able to consistently eat healthy and reach your goals. Don’t be afraid to bring your own cooler to an event with your prepared meals, I do it all of the time. Plan and track your calories.
3. If you are planning on going out to eat, make sure you eat less calories throughout the day. For example, instead of a burger for lunch, go ahead and have a healthy piece of chicken. You’ll eat about half the calories and fat, with the same amount of protein. When you go out to eat, skip the appetizer and the alcoholic beverage — that alone can save you hundreds of calories, and you will be able to enjoy your entree without guilt.
4. Create some fun mocktails. Alcoholic beverages are not only calorie-laden, but they slow down your metabolism, cause you to not be as conscious of what you are eating, cause restless sleep and really can negatively affect your weight loss goals. A little cranberry lime seltzer mixed with some diet or regular cranberry juice tastes just like a cocktail, without the alcohol.
Remember friends- the healthier you eat, the more you move, the better you will fee — I can guarantee it.
Happy summer 2024!
Shaina Zazzaro is a wife and mother of two, blending her roles with a passion for health and wellness. She is the owner of local meal delivery service, Effortlessly Healthy. For more information, visit www.ehmeals.com.