Staying Healthy at the Beach
By Donna Stark
Summertime at the beach is considered by many to be the most fun time of the year but navigating all of the temptations while lounging by the water can certainly be a little on the tricky side for those who are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Temptations are literally everywhere and things like those boardwalk french fries, pizza, and saltwater taffy can always be heard calling your name. Although it may seem impossible, surviving your time on the beach without sacrificing your health and fitness goals is actually quite easy! Here are some of the best ways to do so.
Pack Frozen Fruit
Freezing some fruit for your day at the beach will not only help you keep your cool, but will also give your body an extra boost of nutrients. Some of the best choices of fruit to freeze are grapes, mangoes, and pineapples. It's basically like eating a healthy version of an ice pop, straight from Mother Nature!
Start Your Day With Physical Activity
It's fine if you look forward to snoring on the beach but you should still try to fit some physical activity into your daily schedule, and mornings are the time to do it. In fact, I hear the beach is perfect for an early morning jog!
Skip the Alcohol
For a refreshing beverage, avoid the beers and alcohol and spike your seltzer water with fruit juice instead! Or just go old-school and stick with unsweetened green tea or refreshing ice-cold water infused with fruit, cucumbers, or mint. The options are endless and it's important to stay hydrated!
Do Not Skip Your Meals
Skipping meals rarely work in anyone's favor so be intentional with what you consume and when you actually sit down to eat. Try to avoid the constant snacking throughout the day and don't fill up on those empty-calorie beverages.
Bring Some Games
Sometimes the best workouts are the ones that bring more "fun" than "exercise," so don't forget to pack your beach volleyball set, surfboard, badminton racquets, and Frisbees. Spending time with friends and family while playing games or chasing a ball on the beach is a great way to get your workout in without even realizing it. And don't forget that a large body of water is right in front of you! Going for a swim in the ocean is one of the best ways to get an all-over body workout.
Staying Healthy at the Beach
Surviving a beach weekend doesn't have to be difficult. All it takes is a few modifications to the healthy behaviors you already have and some extra willpower when the saltwater taffy is passed around, but you can do it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Temecula, Calif.