After enduring the stressors of this past year, we could all use a refreshing and reenergizing summer. With the warming weather, longer days and loosening regulations, we’re all looking to make the most of the season. Along with a great read and comfy lounge chair (seasonal staples!), here are some other strategies to help you savor the summer.

Summer Refresh

After enduring the stressors of this past year, we could all use a refreshing and reenergizing summer. With the warming weather, longer days and loosening regulations, we’re all looking to make the most of the season. Along with a great read and comfy lounge chair (seasonal staples!), here are some other strategies to help you savor the summer.

Summer Refresh: Sip on bevvies with benefits

Sip on bevvies with benefits

Beating the heat with healthy beverages is key to avoiding dehydration and all the side effects that come along with it—headache, irritability, fatigue, fogginess, to name just a few. You typically need half your weight in water ounces, but in warmer temperatures (or during exercise), you’ll need more. Iced tea and lemonade are standard sips, but they often come loaded with added sugar and calories. Instead, I whip up light and refreshing drinks that you can enjoy poolside, at family BBQs or while the kids catch fireflies at sunset. For example, try my Tropical Fruit Punch featuring LaCroix’s new flavor: Beach Plum.

Summer Refresh: Do a summer clean up

Do a summer clean up

Go through your fridge and pantry to get rid of any trigger foods (aka, unhealthy foods you can’t stop eating once you start, like cookies, cake, pastries). Instead, load up on nutritious seasonal staples (beans and lentils; in-season produce like tomatoes, berries, watermelon, cantaloupe, corn, cherries, peaches, zucchini; shrimp). Then, use one or more in these scrumptious seasonal recipes.

Skillet Franks and Beans
Creamy Cole Slaw
Lentil Bean Salad
Turkey and Black Bean Burgers
Strawberry Gazpacho
Summer Shrimp Boil
Watermelon Dessert Pizza

Summer Refresh: Grow your own herbs

Grow your own herbs

Cut back on salt while ramping up the flavor of summer standouts by adding fresh herbs, like basil, oregano, mint, rosemary and dill to recipes. You can grow your own herb plant(s) in a kitchen window or start up a garden in your yard and add other veggie plants. (Click here for some clever garden hacks.)  Of course, you can also find them in your grocery store or farmers’ market if you don’t have much faith in your green thumb. To store fresh, hearty herbs (like rosemary or thyme), wrap loosely in a damp paper towel to keep from drying out and store in an air-tight container in a crisper drawer to protect against oxygen. Softer herbs like mint and parsley can be stored in a lidded jar filled with a little cold water after their ends have been trimmed. Cover and refrigerate, changing the water when it becomes discolored. Then, give them a shot in these winning dishes:

Lemon-Dill Yogurt Dip
5-Minute Lemon Rosemary Salmon
Minty Grapefruit
Raspberry Basil Limeade
Pizza Peppers

 

Summer Refresh: Enjoy summer (physical) activities

Enjoy summer (physical) activities

Long days combined with warm weather create the perfect equation for outdoor exercise. Plus, there are so many fun summer activities to enjoy. Hit the beach and run in the sand, play beach volleyball or go for a kayak ride. Head to the park for a picnic and don’t forget to take an after-game stroll or toss around the frisbee. Go for a hike, swim laps in the pool, do some gardening/yardwork, plan a round of golf or tennis match.

Summer Refresh: Savor the season

Here’s to a well-deserved and wonderful summer ahead!

xx, Joy

 

For more smart seasonal strategies, check out Healthy Summer Party Hacks.