Go Outside - Move your workout into nature, it's way more fun than a smelly gym and there is more to look at. Ride bikes, play tag with your kids, set up badminton or smaller spaces are great for corn hole games or go on a scavenger hunt in the neighborhood, make some protein granola and take a hike or a long romantic (or for the single gals like me, it's me-time) walk, do you have a pool or a neighbor with one... MARCO POLO anyone?!
Exercise early in the day, not only is it safer to exercise in the cooler hours of the AM, it will give you a good start for the day. Always wear sunscreen and bring your water with you.
Cool Eats - Visit your local farmers market, try a fruit or veggie you've never tried, ask the seller what he or she likes to do with it, get creative in the kitchen make some fun salads or create your own salad bar or have a tidbit party.
More Eggface Cool Eats
Summer is also prime bento box picnic weather. Pack lunch or dinner and take it out into nature... watch the sunset, make wishes on stars, find a beach, a lake, a park, your own backyard or balcony. My town has a bunch of free movies and concerts and of course 4th of July fireworks.
More Eggface Bento Box Lunches
Quick Eats - In the summer I am always looking for ways to cut down the cooking (heating the kitchen up) time or clean-up. These are a few of my favorites that do just that...
Foil Packets Meals
Sheet Pan Dinners
BBQ Dinners
If you are eating out (and heading home right away) ask for a box as you order and box up what you aren't eating before you start to use for creating meals the next day. I call this repurposing and it's definitely a time saver the next day.
Or cook big one day and turn the leftovers into easy meals for the rest of the week.
Sweet Treats - Fruit with protein-packed Greek yogurt or ricotta based dips are a favorite. Make Strawberry Cannoli, or my Fluff Stuff or churn a batch of Protein Ice Cream, make Protein Pudding Jars or Frozen "Cheesecake."
Drink Plenty of Water - I have always struggled with this one but I know it's not an option so I keep trying my best each day. Drinking more water would help so many of us (helps umm constipation, clear skin, healthy hair, it's a natural appetite suppressant, etc.) but staying hydrated is especially essential for bariatric surgery post-ops (caution: one of the major reasons for readmittance to the hospital in the first 30 days post-op is dehydration, so in those post-operative release instructions when they say carry your water bottle with you at all times and "sip sip sip" they mean it!)
There are lots of ways to jazz it up and even a few products that will do double duty and give you some added vitamins too.
I always have plenty of cold water in the fridge and things like berries, cucumbers or citrus fruits on hand to add some pizazz. My latest favorite is unsweetened iced tea with a pump of Sugar-Free Torani in fruity flavors.
More tips for jazzing your H20 up
Make Memories - After cancer and the car theft, my budget won't allow for any great adventures this summer (thankful for the few trips I'm getting to go on via my work or volunteer positions) but I do live in a pretty awesome area of the country and so I've got a few local places to explore and hang out on my list.
Money Saving Tips
Do you have a summer bucket list? What’s on it? I’d love to hear about it.
Happy Summer!