Summer has finally arrived, at least according to the calendar. If you are not getting the lovely sunshine right now, don’t worry it is coming and I want you to be prepared for the hot summer days when you exercise.
WATER
Don’t forget to hydrate, hydrate and hydrate! Water before, during and after your runs are really important so make sure you pack water and / or run where there are water fountains on your route. Depending on how far you run, you may also need Coconut water, Gatorade or another electrolyte drink. (There are also all natural Vegan Electrolyte Hydrators you can buy in powder form to add to your water: Cute little packets that easily fit into your pocket or running belt.)
COVER UP
There is debate about sunscreen but I wear sunscreen on my face 365 days of the year and I also wear a hat whenever I exercise. I generally run earlier in the mornings so the sun isn’t too intense and I choose routes with some shade (as seen above).
I have to say, my body rejoices when I fuel it with healthy, organic, raw food. I am not on a raw diet; however, I definitely notice my energy level and just generally how good I feel when I eat that way. After your workout, it’s important to refuel so here are some juicy melons that I love after a summertime jog.
HONEYDEW
Very high in Vitamin C (great for tissue repair), honeydew is an excellent choice after any workout. It’s a good source of potassium which is helpful in avoiding muscle cramps and because it holds lots of water, it also helps hydrate. In the summer months especially, this is crucial. I like to pair this with raw almonds or cottage cheese so I get some protein as well.
CANTALOUPE
High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and potassium, cantaloupe is another excellent source after exercise and it is great for your skin, eyes and immune system. Cantaloupe is filled with lots of good stuff such as carotenoids, Vitamin B6, fibre, folate and B3 to name a few. Simply put, it helps support energy production and stabilizes blood sugar. I pair fresh, juicy slices of cantaloupe with yogurt, raw nuts and sometimes I’ll add a bit of healthy granola.
WATERMELON
Yummm…just the thought of watermelon makes my mouth water! After a good workout, a couple pieces of watermelon will hydrate you because it’s 92% water and rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium which we lose through sweating. It’s packed with antioxidants and is another great source of Vitamin C and A. I like to pair watermelon with cottage cheese or a few slices of hard cheese and some whole grain crackers.
Eating healthy, staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun are important things to remember as we enter the summer months. Getting outside and being active are a part of a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE so have FUN, eat well and enJOY!
With a smile,
Tina
PS. See you on Tuesday!
