Challenge #22 – July 26, 2010

Week Twenty-two: July 26, 2010

Challenge:  Summer time Fun!

With the summer-time months and weather in full swing, how do you make sure you enjoy the events, weather and those extra “treats” that seem to be in front of our faces a little more during this time? 

First and foremost when we hit the warmer weather is hydration!  We need to keep hydrated, whether we’re hitting the gym every day, or just hanging out outside.  Having trouble getting your water in? Have a glass right when you wake up, and keep a bottle with you, making sure you drink it before it gets warm.  Aim for about 1.5 to 2 litres a day (more if you’re working out), and give yourself a time limit: “making sure you drink a litre by lunch time”.

Stay Active!  Start your day with a trip to the gym.  The sun is up and about a little earlier these days, so let it help you wake up to get in a good cardio, strength or flexibility training session.  We do tend to take advantage of the warmer weather and fit in a good walk in the evening, but make sure you’re still spending at least 20-30 minutes a day getting your heart rate up, and most importantly, stretching!  Stay active with the kids, neighbours, friends or family by planning day trips, outdoor sports teams, weekend hiking trips, or something new that may just spark a new interest for the future.  And again, while carrying out your activity, always have a bottle of water on hand!

Enjoy!  It seems a little harder to stick to our “healthy” dieting regimes through the summer months.  We tend to snack on more fruit as well, which, although fruit provides a number of essential vitamins and minerals, they do contain more sugar than fresh vegetables, so just make sure you’re still balancing out all four food groups.  When it comes to those higher calorie, higher sugar and higher fat snacks, just be mindful.  Make sure you don’t restrict yourself too much, and enjoy a small ice cream once in a while. 

Everything in moderation: enough water, a little activity, and lots of vegetables on a daily basis will keep you satisfied and not feeling guilty when you want to indulge in that extra little treat!