She Strengthens

Summer Wellness Essentials: 10 Nutrition-Approved Habits to Boost Your Health

As the warm weather arrives, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of summer. But amidst the sun-kissed days and lively gatherings, our health can take a backseat. To ensure we’re feeling our best from now until Labor Day, it’s essential to prioritize our well-being. The good news is that making a few simple changes to our daily habits can have a significant impact on our overall health.

Vitamin D: The Summer Essential

When we’re diligent about applying sunscreen, we might not be getting enough vitamin D. This crucial nutrient is produced by our bodies when exposed to the sun’s UV rays, but sunscreen blocks this process. Instead, focus on getting your vitamin D fix through food sources like egg yolks, fatty fish, and fortified dairy products.

Crunch Time: Homemade Pickles to the Rescue

Ditch the potato chips and expensive artisanal pickles for a healthier, crunchier snack. Registered dietitian Robin Plotkin suggests making your own pickles using cucumbers, vinegar, salt, peppercorns, garlic, and fresh dill. This flavorful, low-calorie snack counts as a serving of veggies!

Beat the Heat with Banana Soft Serve

When the craving for something cold hits, turn to pureéd frozen bananas for a delicious, nondairy ice cream alternative. Add some wild blueberries and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing treat packed with potassium and water to help you stay hydrated.

Hydrate Before Meals for a Healthier You

Drinking a glass of ice water before meals can help you stay hydrated and even aid in weight management. This simple habit can also give your metabolism a slight boost. Add fresh lemons and cucumbers to your water for a refreshing twist.

Eat Your Sunscreen: Watermelon to the Rescue

Watermelon is more than just a refreshing summer snack – it’s also rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Enjoy it as a healthy addition to your summer BBQs.

Artichokes: The Unsung Hero of Summer

Artichokes are a tasty, fiber-rich seasonal side dish that can aid in digestion and reduce bloating. Add them to your summer menu for a nutritious and delicious twist.

Blue Smoothies for a Boost

Spirulina, a plant-based protein source, can help keep you fuller for longer and support weight loss. Add it to your smoothie for a nutrient-packed treat.

Rehydrate with Pomegranate Juice

After a summer workout, rehydrate with pomegranate juice, which is rich in potassium and can help your muscles recover faster. Combine it with a frozen banana, coconut chips, and raw beet for the ultimate post-workout smoothie.

Dress Your Salad with ACV

Apple cider vinegar is a trendy ingredient that can add probiotics to your diet and support blood sugar stability. Start with a tablespoon of ACV in your salad dressing for a healthier twist.

Stay Hydrated During Happy Hour

Summer happy-hour favorites can leave you bloated and dehydrated. Opt for lower sugar drinks like plain rosé, gin and club soda, or a Paloma, and remember to have a glass of water with your drink to stay hydrated.