Photo courtesy of Leah Bisch

LOS ANGELES—Blazing hot sun, inky blue skies, crystal clear seas and long balmy evenings. Summer brings with it a whole rainbow of opportunity and along with that the health and fitness that the winter months just can’t muster. Sun gives us increased serotonin levels, leaving us feeling more energetic, optimistic and happy. Our skin glows with the sun kissed rays and the long days give us more time to spend doing the things we love.

Both adults and children alike are more active in the summer months: playing ball on the grass, making waves in the pool, snorkeling in the sea and taking fun bike rides up the mountain trails. It’s all good, burning as much calories as a normal cv session and far more enjoyable than being confined to the clinical walls of the gym. Outdoors we connect more with nature, so such activities as yoga and pilates can be far more rewarding in the fresh air of summer.

We drink plenty more fluids during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration, leaving us feeling more alert with plumped out, healthy skin. Isotonic drinks are helpful to have if you are doing sports outdoors as they replace the minerals we lose when we sweat.

We naturally eat healthier in the summer too. Our bodies crave less high-calorie foods due to the heat, with more fresh salads and fruits replacing heavy fries and fatty desserts. Barbecues are an all time summer favorite and are no excuse for eating poorly. There are plenty of healthy alternatives to burgers and sausages, including lean chicken breast or fresh fish, such as salmon or tuna steak. Both taste delicious barbecued with seasoning and yet have half the calories. Serve with a big leafy salad and sun-ripened tomatoes for a real health kick. Desserts can be healthy too in the form of frozen yogurt taking place of traditional ice cream. It is virtually fat free and tastes just as good but with half the calories and fat content.

The summer months bring relaxation with them too; let your body soak up the sun’s heat, its healing rays will help ease any aches or pains that the cold winter months can aggravate.  Leave the stress of day-to-day life behind. Take time out for you and, even if you don’t go anywhere during the summer, simply chilling out in the garden at home enjoying summer’s riches can be the most rewarding vacation of all. 

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