10 Tips for a Healthy and Fun Summer with Your Family and Tips for Your Weight Loss Journey...

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it's also important to stay healthy. Here are 10 tips for eating and healthy activities that families can enjoy together, while you continue on your weight loss journey:

1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that are essential for good health. Make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your family's meals and snacks throughout the day. However, you want to avoid fruits (high in natural sugar) during your weight loss journey.

2. Drink plenty of water. Water is essential for staying hydrated, especially during hot weather. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day. Remember, water aids in collapsing and flushing out fat cells.

3. Limit sugary drinks. Sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks are high in calories and sugar. They can also contribute to weight gain and tooth decay. Instead, choose water, unsweetened tea, or milk. Of course, you want to avoid these drinks during (and after) weight loss. Water is always the number one choice!

4. Make healthy snacks available. When you're feeling hungry between meals, reach for healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, nuts, or yogurt. Avoid sugary snacks like cookies, candy, and chips. During your weight loss journey, aim for protein as a healthy snack (lean meats, part-skim cheese sticks, limited amount of nuts, etc.).

5. Get regular physical activity. Physical activity is important for overall health and well-being. Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children and adults. During your weight loss journey, I recommend limiting your physical activity to 30-40 minutes, and try not to break a sweat; or make up for burned calories with extra protein and veggies. If you are in fat burn and experience hunger, it could indicate that you need more calories.

6. Get outside and play. Summer is a great time to get outside and play. Go for walks, bike rides, swim, or play games in the park. Be sure to stay hydrated!

7. Cook at home more often. When you cook at home, you have more control over the ingredients that go into your food. This makes it easier to eat healthy and avoid processed foods. Check out my recipe section for great lean and green family meals!

8. Plan ahead. Planning ahead can help you make healthy choices throughout the day. Pack healthy lunches for school or work, and have healthy snacks on hand for when you're feeling hungry.

9. Make it fun! Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring. There are many ways to make healthy eating fun for the whole family. Get creative with recipes, try new fruits and vegetables, and make mealtimes a family affair.

10. Set a good example. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. If you want your children to eat healthy, make sure you're setting a good example. Eat healthy foods yourself, and make healthy choices when you're out with your family. The best gift you can give your children is teach them how to prepare healthy meals, and eat healthy. It's actually the best gift you can give yourself and your family!

Following these tips can help you and your family stay healthy and have fun during the summer. So get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

Here are some additional tips for Summer healthy eating, and fun Summer activities for kids:

• Grow your own food. If you have a backyard, plant a garden with fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This is a great way to get your kids involved in gardening and eating healthy foods.

• Visit a farmers market. Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, local produce. You can also find other healthy foods like baked goods, prepared meals, and snacks.

• Go on a hike or bike ride. Hiking and biking are great ways to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

• Have a picnic. Pack a lunch and head to the park for a picnic. This is a great way to spend time with your family and enjoy the outdoors.

• Go swimming. Swimming is a great way to cool off on a hot day. It's also a good form of exercise.

• Play water games. There are many fun water games that you can play with your family. Some ideas include water balloon fights, water volleyball, and water basketball.

I hope these tips help you and your family stay healthy and have fun during the Summer!

If you can't do it on you own, are unable to participate in family activities like these, ask me how my support and my program can help you achieve your weight loss and lifestyle transformation goals.

Lifelong Health Transformations by Cheryl includes a simple holistic approach to weight loss and creating a lifelong healthy lifestyle. This is accomplished through personal one-on-one coaching, inspiration, motivation, support and practical tips on healthy eating and hydration, healthy weight management, healthy motion, healthy mind, healthy sleep and energy management, and healthy surroundings. You'll also have access to a private community of like-minded individuals that encourage and support each other, along with materials and virtual learning. Reach out for a complimentary health assessment and embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, happier you. ~ Cheryl