Tips to a Healthy, Happy Summer

We wait all year for this: the sun is out and summer has arrived!  Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a healthy, happy summer

1. Get outside: the benefits to being outside in the summer are endless. From Vitamin D to good old O2 (Oxygen) your body will thank you:
   • Fresh air and exercise helps improve sleep
   • Sunlight stimulates the release of happy hormones in the brain and helps prevent or reduce anxiety and depression
   • Vitamin D helps support immune function and prevents conditions such as MS as depression as well as improves energy
   • Being outside is good for the soul

2. Keep well hydrated: as the mercury rises be sure to drink plenty of water. The average water intake in the summer should be 1.5 – 2L . Each hour spent in the heat or exercising depletes about 500 ml of water so be sure to account for this loss. If you add a pinch of sea salt to your water it will help with absorption and prevent dehydration:
   • Water helps the body regulate temperate and prevent heat stroke on hot days  
   • Water helps prevent constipation and maintain proper body fluid levels
   • Water is a key ingredient to ensure great energy levels
   • Water helps maintain proper muscle mass and prevents muscle cramping and headaches
   • Water keeps your skin looking young and hydrated and reduces the look of fine line and wrinkles that come with dehydration

3. Be sure to keep up the sleep: it’s easy to have fun in the summer and often that means we compromise on sleep but maintaining a healthy sleep routine through the summer months will pay off:
   • Sleep improves immune function
   • Sleep is an important time for the body to heal and replenish what is lost during the day
   • Sleep helps prevent anxiety and depression. During sleep we release hormones that are important to maintain a healthy mood
   • Proper sleep is important to maintain a healthy weight. Lack of sleep often leads to weight gain while weight loss is challenging if you are not getting enough zzzz’s
   • Proper sleep results in less joint pain. Sleep is actually one of the best anti-inflammatories due to the beneficial hormones release while you are asleep
   • Sleep improves your sex life!

4. Eat fresh: the abundance of fresh food available in the summer makes it easy to eat healthy. Choose dark leafy greens, and bright colourful berries for the most nutrient packed summer cuisine:
   • Berries are packed with nutrient rich antioxidants that help fight cancer and other diseases, help keep your energized and have powerful anti-aging properties
   • Watermelon: this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. Each juicy bite has significant levels
   • Zucchini: packed full of antioxidants and vitamin C this little squash is a great addition to your summer fare. An added bonus: the skin is full of fiber
   • Summer Greens: packed with vitamin k to keep bones strong and healthy these tasty little leaves are a great addition to any meal.