With summer and beach bodies being a major thing right now, there is a lot of information and tips floating around the blogosphere, which can feel very daunting. So, to make life simpler I have rounded up 5 top tips for staying healthy, fit and active this summer.
1. Stay hydrated.
Water should always be your best friend, and go to drink, especially in warmer weather. If your exercise lasts less than one hour, water will always be best for rehydrating. It is always worth carrying a bottle of water around with you, even when not exercising, to keep you feeling hydrated and on top form.
Check out my '10 day water challenge' post for more benefits of water!
2. Limit cocktails.
We all love a cocktail in the summer, fact. However, they are packed with secret calories and so should be drank as a treat! I have listed the calorie contents of some of my favourite cocktails below...
Bahama mamma - 300kcal
Cosmopolitan - 200kcal
Daiquiri - 166kcal
Pina colada - 378kcal
Sex on the beach - 143kcal
3. Healthy fast food.
If you are in a rush or simply want lunch on the go when out and about, check the menu for healthier options to avoid unwanted calories. Most fast food and convenience restaurants will serve salads or grilled chicken, or even switched out french fries for veggie sticks!
4. Portion control.
It is very easy to over-eat, whether you are eating out and have a three course meal, are cooking at home, or piling your plate high at a buffet, extra calories are not always great. One easy solution is to select smaller plates, filling a smaller plate with food surely results in eating less than filling a large plate, right? Its also worth refreshing yourself with the proportions of different macronutrients on your plate. Try filling half of your plate with veggies, then divide the remaining half between protein and carbs.
5. Workout in the morning.
There is nothing worse than sweating your way through a workout in the midday heat. Try and plan your workouts for the morning before it gets too hot. Research has also found that early workouts can cause a metabolic spike, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.
Stay tuned for more tips on combating summer fitness...