Healthy Chicks

Summer is a couple weeks away, and I’m already pretending it’s here. We recently took baby girl on her first ever camping trip, and this weekend, we’re celebrating my sister & her hubby’s 30th birthdays with a backyard BBQ complete with an ice cream truck and fire pit!

While summer is full of nonstop fun, it can also be stressful for many.

Does wedding season, summer BBQs and family vacations stress you out when it comes to taking care of your health? I hear ya. 

When I was coaching 1:1, one of the most common concerns was from women fearing they’d derail their diet during the summer months by living it up. And while I’m not a fan of dieting, overdoing it on the poolside cocktails and fried food likely isn’t going to feel good in your body either.

Here are my 6 simple tips on how to find a happy medium. 

1. Set Your Summer Intention

We put so much focus into getting “beach body” ready and eating healthy, but what about taking care of your soul? Now is a great time to set your summer intention! Grab a journal and ask yourself, How do I want to feel this season? How can I fuel my mind, body and soul this summer?

2. Eat with the Seasons

Summer is my absolute favorite when it comes to seasonal produce! Instead of going for “strawberry” flavored crap, go for the real deal! Load up on nourishing summer favorites straight from Mother Nature like berries, watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and leafy greens. I also love grilling corn and making kebobs with pineapple and fresh veggies like zucchini, onion and bell peppers.

3. Make Healthy Swaps (When it Makes Sense)

Fried calamari, mint chip ice cream and #RoseAllDay can be pretty temping, but it may not feel so good in your body when you overdo it. Instead of giving up your favorites, try making healthy swaps…but only when it makes sense.

For instance, you may not mind skipping the bun on that juicy cheeseburger by opting for a lettuce wrap instead, but you’re team waffle cone all the way when it comes to a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Eat what you want, and thoroughly enjoy it…then move on with it. Food is food!

4. Drink Smart

Drink smartly…and I’m not just talking about alcohol! Many summer beverages are chock-full of added sugar and artificial flavors. If you’re hooked on soda — yes even the diet stuff — try switching things up with iced tea, kombucha or fruit-infused water.

When it comes to those ever-so-tempting summer cocktails, choose wisely. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bright-colored punch with the cute umbrella every so often, but know your limits and after one drink, consider switching to something lighter like a spritzer, glass of wine or seltzer water.

And I know you’ve heard it a million times but hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! This will help energize the body, improve digestion and flush out toxins. Win, win, win.

5. Ditch the “Bikini Body” Mindset

I get so angry with the ads screaming at us women that we need to achieve that “Bikini Body” to get ready for the beach. Eff that! You already are beach body ready. If you’re doubting it one bit, it likely has less to do with your body and more to do with your mindset.

Instead, focus on soaking up the sun, sinking your toes into the sand and rocking out to 90s music with your friends on the beach!

6. Incorporate Daily Movement

Nobody wants to live in the gym when it’s gorgeous outside…and squeezing in your daily run can sound like a drag too, especially during vacation and wedding season. Rather than sticking to a strict schedule and beating yourself up over a missed workout, simply focus on daily movement.

Keep it simple with feel-good exercises you love like 20 minutes of morning yoga, stand-up paddle-boarding or signing up for a local run/walk 5K.

For those who don’t have a lot of time and enjoy working out at home, I’m currently loving the FITON app for quick, accessible, effective workouts!

Go ahead and soak up those feel-good summer vibes, gorgeous girl!