Nutrition Tips to Enhance Your Summer Health Goals

Summer should be full of picnics, vacations, and celebrating moments, which means there will be plenty of indulgent foods all around. From cookouts to fruity drinks, it’s hard to think about the summer season without looking forward to digging into these delicious foods. 

While these foods are okay in moderation, it’s important to keep in mind that willpower is key when embarking on a summer health journey. In order to fully enhance your wellness, finding the perfect balance is crucial for staying healthy – while still, of course, enjoying the occasional treat!

At Village Green Senior Living, our senior living communities in Federal Way and West Seattle look forward to the summer every year. As a result, our team is sharing tips to keep your nutrition in check this season! 

Stay Hydrated

Water is essential and assists in most of the body’s functions, from pumping blood to the heart to keeping joints lubricated. During the warmer months, drinking enough water is important to prevent dehydration and ensure the body stays at a regulated temperature.

However, as we age, our thirst signals begin to diminish. The loss of the thirst signal is a normal aspect of aging, but it can become dangerous when an older adult cannot tell when they’re thirsty, especially if they’ve been spending time in hot temperatures. 

To combat dehydration, always keep a bottle of water with you. For instance, find a reusable bottle you can refill at your convenience that’s portable and easy to carry throughout the day. Also, if you’re somebody who has a busy schedule, try setting alarms on your cell phone or smartwatch to remind yourself to drink water during specific time windows and get used to building the habit of increasing your water intake. 

Make Healthy Swaps

Whether you spend your summers eating out at new restaurants or taking part in fun barbecues with friends and family, it’s easy to get sidetracked during your summer health journey. However, making smart choices with the foods you consume is easier than you think!

When it comes to your favorite summer staple foods, a few healthy alternatives can go a long way to ensuring you’re getting all the nutritional benefits possible. The best part? They’re still delicious!

For instance, if you and your family want to treat yourself to some ice cream on a hot summer day, try swapping it out for frozen yogurt instead; it’s still a delicious treat but with less fat and calories. In addition, instead of making a pitcher of sugary lemonade, try infusing ice water with slices of lemon or other sliced fruits for a refreshing drink. 

Eat Fresh

One of the best aspects of summer is the wide variety of fresh, seasonal produce, which can all be found locally at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. This is a great way to support local farmers and businesses, and a day trip to a market can be a fun summer outing for you and your loved ones! 

When you buy fresh produce at peak seasonal times, you’re also saving money in the long run. When fruits and veggies aren’t in season, they’re often shipped from areas where they are in season, which can cause prices to increase. 

Here are a few examples of some delicious summer fruits and vegetables that you can find in season in Washington and incorporate into your favorite dishes:

• Apples
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Avocados
• Blackberries
• Green Beans
• Summer Squash
• Zucchini
• Corn
• Tomatoes

At Village Green Senior Living, our communities in West Seattle and Federal Way promote an active lifestyle for residents, providing all the tools they need to enhance their wellness and make the most of every day. 

We understand the fun opportunities that come with the summer months and the temptation that comes with tasty seasonal treats. Unfortunately, choosing unhealthy snacks and meals during the summer is easy, especially when traveling or spending time with loved ones. 

However, remember that these choices can add up over time and contribute to health issues. You can easily keep up with your summer health goals by making healthier substitutions whenever possible!  

Explore our website to learn how senior living at Village Green can enhance your lifestyle this summer – and all year!