Summertime Fitness and Food

Keep Moving Despite The Heat

It’s easy in the summer to stay inside and eat out. It’s hot, humid and in Texas it’s easy to just hibernate until… ugh the end of August. I’m writing this post to say no to the summer slump!  I started thinking about how I can beat the heat, while keeping my family’s energy up and eating healthy. Here are some of my thoughts:

Movin’ and Grovin’

In the heat of the Texas summer mornings and evenings are best to get outside.  Austin is a great city for walks and hikes- the greenbelt is flowing this year. It’s so beautiful and about 15 degrees cooler near the water. Don’t have time or desire to hike to the water? There is the traditional pool or how about water balloon fights anyone?!  My kids can’t get enough of water play. I’m taking a cue from them this summer. Outside chores are great ways to exercise.  Do them in your bathing suit and have some water. My kids even make watering my parched plants fun- they always end up soaking wet and tuckered out.  (p.s. don’t forget the sun screen)

Sometimes we only have the middle of the day to play. I opt for an inside activity- pop in a DVD, yoga video, or Exercise TV.  I try not to think too hard about planning the perfect activity. It doesn’t matter really what you do, just that it gets you moving.  Don’t have time to meditate in front of a yoga DVD with whiny kids getting you down, time for a super dance break! Put on the grooviest hip grinding music you have, and for at least 15 to 20 min dance your heart out with your kids. Let yourself go, enjoy being goofy. All that dancing should get your kid’s ya-yas out and yours too.  Then everyone will then be ready for the afternoon siesta, south of the boarder style, leaving you ready for more outdoor fun in the evening.

Austin’s summer music is a great chance to get your groove thing on in the evenings. Don’t be afraid to get out and get on down.

These are just some of the ways I’m moving this summer, how many ways can you work out this summer?

Water, Water, Water

Don’t forget your hydration! It is too easy to get parched in the heat. Remember if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.  Keep a water bottle with you so you can keep hydrated. Kids are especially prone to dehydration-talk about cranky.

Cool Eats

Summer time makes eating fast food appealing. But, healthy food can be fast if you prepare it ahead of time. After shopping I have prep time to cut up veggies so that they are ready for grabbing and going later on. I involve my kids in the preparation. It is high time they get involved in participating in the menu, expanding their food horizons, and learning their way around a kitchen. They are more likely to try new things if they had a hand in making them. Another thing that saves time is to make more of one ingredient to be used in two meals. I like roasting a large chicken to have enough leftover for chicken tacos the next day.
Summertime is for salads, there are so many veggie combos possible, one of my favorites is carrot and jicama salad with orange and lime juice.  You can toss in a jalapeno and cilantro to give it a little kick.  I add in chunks of orange or tart apple to keep it more kid friendly. Even Pasta salads can be healthy if you skip the mayo opting for vinaigrette dressing and load it with healthy veggies.  Oh how I love grilled veggies! I add them to salads or just about any meal. I have been marinated my veggies in a bit of Sass dressing, it is the best! We try and eat a rainbow every day.

Summertime is about is spending time with the family, learning something new, and eating healthy food. Summertime can be a great for pampering yourself too. Don’t think that just because the kids are out of school that your alone time is over. Whether it’s a massage or margarita- make time for it! You will enjoy life so much more.