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| photo courtesy of Caribbean Kayak Co. |
Most parents will agree that summer vacation can be anything but relaxing. Keeping up with the demands of a busy family in the summer months can be quite a challenge. Stereotypically, the scale tends to lean towards moms when it comes to juggling summertime activities, but let’s give the guys some credit. Summer can be just as exhausting for men too. In honor of National Men’s Health Month, here are 8 tips to help keep the Dads and dudes in our lives happy and healthy all summer long.
1. Avoid convenience foods
Make an effort to replace processed, junk and fast foods with healthier choices. Avoid concession stands and drive-thrus and opt instead for fresh, whole foods. No time to eat before a ball game? Try arranging a “healthy tailgate” before the game. Ask each family to provide a covered dish that’s fresh, not frozen or processed. Some ideas are turkey burgers, fresh fruit salad, and potato salad.
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| Image from Nuts.com |
2. Snack wisely
Keep plenty of healthy grab-and-go foods on hand to have when you feel the urge to snack. Our friends at Nuts.com have assembled a mega list of healthy snack ideas and recipes that fit perfectly into any busy lifestyle. We especially love the pumpkin granola bar recipe.
3. Eat plenty of protein
Protein is important to help your body maintain a healthy immune system and muscles. But that doesn’t mean you must consume more red meat. For added nutrition, without the added fat and calories, choose plant based proteins. Adding a tablespoon or two of chia or flax seeds to your morning Shakeology or oatmeal is a quick and easy way to boost your protein intake. Snacking on nuts and seeds is another good source of protein.
4. Make fitness a family thing
Don’t sacrifice your own health because of your family’s busy schedule. Look for opportunities for the whole family to get fit together. Spend some time each week doing fun activities that will keep everyone active. Create a theme day like “Family Adventure Friday” and spend a few hours in the evening doing things like biking, hiking, or kayaking; or make a list of nearby state and National parks and aim to visit them all before the end of summer.
5. Stay sun protected
Over exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, premature aging, skin damage and skin cancer. Have fun in the sun and stay protected by wearing sunscreen, a hat and UV protective sunglasses. For added protection, choose clothing that offers extra UV protection. Many popular brands like Nike and Under Armor offer UV protective golf and active wear for men, women and children.
6. Stay hydrated
Water is the single most important nutrient, yet it’s one that we often deprive ourselves of. Staying hydrated in the summer months is especially important because water carries heat away from your vital organs preventing dehydration and heat stroke. Aim to drink at least the equivalent of your body weight in ounces of water each day.
7. Avoid excessive alcohol
A beer or two at the end of a long hot day might sound refreshing, but too much can lead to serious consequences. Be especially mindful of your drinking at parties and while swimming, boating and driving. Alcohol can impair your judgement and can cause accidents to occur. Set limits and keep summer fun and safe for yourself and everyone around you.
8. Workout at home
Save time and never miss a workout by opting to exercise at home instead of the gym. Beachbody On Demand is an online fitness video streaming site dedicated to helping people get fit and stay fit whenever and wherever they choose to workout. With over 250 fitness videos to choose from, there’s something for everyone and all levels of fitness. And the great thing about B.O.D. is that it’s accessible from most mobile devices. So, as long as you have an internet connection, you’ll have access to it 24/7 no matter where you go this summer. Think you can only get ripped by going to the gym? Think again. B.O.D. has fitness programs that will chisel your physique into a masterpiece in as little as a half and hour a day.
Make the most of it
With just 10 weeks left until Labor Day, why not make this summer the best and healthiest one yet by maximizing the fun and minimizing the risks to yourself and your health.
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