Summer Shape Up: Your Complete Guide to Summer Wellness
Summer is coming in hot, and we’re ready for it! Rather than focusing on getting that “bikini body” or losing weight, this year we’re prioritizing our overall wellness. That’s right; it’s time to make this summer all about y-o-u. This week on the Vibrant Health blog, we’re sharing our complete guide to summer wellness — including healthy foods, feel-good workouts and seasonal self-care activities.
Eat: Stock Up on These Healthy Summer Foods
This summer, fill your plate with nourishing, in season food like berries, greens, cucumber and peaches. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day by keeping a reusable water bottle by your side and consuming foods high in water content such as watermelon. Here’s a list of what’s in season as well as some delicious summer recipes to try!
What’s In Season During the Summer:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Summer squash
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Green Beans
- Tomatoes
- Salad Greens
- Watermelon
- Peaches
- Plums
- Cherries
- Radishes
- Corn
Summer Recipe Roundup: 10 Nourishing Recipes to Try This Season
- Cucumber Pineapple Flax Smoothie by Vibrant Health
- Blueberry Overnight Oats by Wholefully
- Summer Smoothie Bowl by Vibrant Health
- Summer Cavatelli Pasta with Corn, Tomatoes and Zucchini by Skinnytaste
- Mexican Street Corn Salad by Love and Lemons
- Zucchini Sliders by Clean Food Crush
- Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado by Ambitious Kitchen
- Simple Summer Peach Salsa by Bowl of Delicious
- 3-Ingredient Strawberry Nice Cream by Kitchn
- Blueberry Superfood Ice Pops by Vibrant Health
Here are some more healthy tips & recipes to stay cool this summer!
Move: Try These Feel-Good Summer Workouts
This season, make it a point to move your body in a way that feels good to you! Here are some feel-good outdoor workout ideas to try this summer — from outdoor yoga to a HIIT beach workout.
- Outdoor Yoga: For a change in scenery (and some fresh air), take your yoga practice outside this summer! Flow on your own in your own backyard or look into outdoor community classes near you.
- Kayaking/Stand-up Paddle boarding: Water activities are a great way to move your body during the warmer months! Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are wonderful low-impact options ideal for strengthening the muscles in your arms and core.
- HIIT Beach Workout: Looking to take it up a notch with some high-intensity cardio? HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts are for you! We love this full-body HIIT workout you can do on your next beach day — with moves like sandy bear crawls and side shuffles.
- Swimming: Swimming is the ultimate low-impact summer workout — as it gets your heart pumping without putting strain on your joints! Look into local pools that have lap lanes so you can get your swimming on this summer.
- Walking/Hiking: Last but not least, don’t estimate the power of walking or hiking. Not only does it get you moving, but studies have shown that nature walks can have a positive impact on one’s mental health too. It’s time to hit the trails!
Want more movement this summer? Try these outdoor workouts!
Restore: Make Time for These Seasonal Self-Care Activities
Self-care is a key part of wellness — and it’s important to fill your own cup by making time for yourself this summer. Try these seasonal self-care activities for inspiration!
Treat Your Body with Love
This summer, make it a point to be extra kind to your body through positive affirmations, mindfulness and wearing clothes that actually fit and feel good.
While you may be bombarded with weight loss ads and “beach body” tips, remember that confidence comes from within. After all, the only things you need for a “beach body” are a beach and a body! Here’s how to embrace your body and practice self-love this summer.
Make a Healthy Summer Treat
Love to cook? Have fun in the kitchen by giving your favorite recipes a healthy makeover. Try these healthier summer treats to satisfy your sugar cravings while keeping your cool!
Slow Down & Eat Mindfully
While we often focus on what we’re eating, it’s also important to focus on how we’re eating. Are you racing through your meals while checking emails? This season, make it a point to slow down and eat mindfully. Try taking your meals outside — remembering to breathe, soak up the experience and chew your food throughout.
Spend Time in a Garden
Looking for a little TLC in nature? Retreat to your very own “secret garden.” Not only will you get some time to yourself, but research shows that spending time outdoors in greenspace offers a wide range of physical health benefits.
Take Care of Your Skin
Taking care of your skin is the ultimate act of self-care. Be sure to protect your beautiful skin with sunscreen when spending time outdoors and nourish your skin with clean beauty products for a healthy glow. Here are some tips to take care of your summer skin — from beach to backyard barbecuing)!
Do a DIY Superfood Facial
Speaking of healthy skin, facials are a great way to pamper yourself while nourishing your skin. And what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body!
That’s why we love this Green Superfood Face Mask — made with edible ingredients you can find in your kitchen: coconut oil, water and our Green Vibrance Superfood Powder.
Make a Feel-Good Summertime Playlist
Studies show that music can impact your emotions and may be used for mood regulation among adolescents. Keep the happy, summer vibes alive by creating your own summertime playlist with all your favorite feel-good tunes.
Do a Seasonal Craft
It’s time to express your creativity this season! After all, studies show that being creative has a positive impact on your mood and overall well-being. Set aside time to do a seasonal craft to get the creative juices flowing. Try these DIY summer crafts — from pressed flower lanterns to floral himalayan salt scrubs!
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.