It’s time for a healthy Summer. Summer break is here (or coming soon) in most of the US. Fun in the sun, graduation parties, family cookouts, golf outings, beach trips, sporting events, tailgating, and more. Personally, it’s my favorite time of the year.

It also can be the most chaotic.

Those parties, cookouts, sporting events, and times in the sun also mean a lack of routine, more food (often not healthy), and less opportunity to hit the gym.

I will start this by saying THIS IS NOT A BAD THING.

Sometimes, we NEED to loosen our routine, ditch the structure and give our bodies freedom.

But not to the point of destroying our bodies.

As a nutrition coach, I’ve had a few conversations of “I’ll start after Summer when life calms down” To that, I respond, “so when we are in back to school season… sports, meet the teacher nights, homework nights and those spirit weeks start back up.

Maybe once school gets into swing… you know… right as the holidays hit…

“Okay, fine, maybe January”

If you’ve had that conversation in your head, it’s time to re-think your goals.

It’s Time For A Healthy Summer

As we roll into summer, we’re going to ditch the mindset of hot girl summer and focus on the mindset of healthy girl summer.

Instead of worrying about that two-piece and what others will think of you at the beach, what if we start to focus on habits we can focus on this summer, regardless of the circumstances?

Research suggests that the best time to take care of your health is when you are the busiest… you’re more likely to carve out time and get it done.

So what are some things you can do this Summer that will help you have a healthy girl summer?

Focus on What You Can Control

With all of the different situations you will be in, nailing your nutrition plan 100% of the time is not realistic…AND THAT’S OKAY.

When you are home, stick to your routine. Eat the same types of foods you ate all spring. When you are out and about, that’s where the habits you are building will come into play.

Look at your food options. Is it pizza or nothing? Great, how can you balance it out when you get home? Are there fruit and veggie options to go with the pizza? Fill half your plate with veggies and the other half with a pizza; you get the best of both worlds.

I could keep giving you scenarios, but the point is, focusing on what you can control will provide you with the best outcome. If you know you don’t feel great eating a particular food, don’t eat it. It’s not about keeping yourself from foods because of the calories/fats/ etc it’s about finding what works for you and controlling that factor.

Drink Your Water

No, seriously, you had to know this one was coming. Regardless of your Summer plans, staying hydrated can be the make-or-break part of your day. We feel our best when our bodies are adequately hydrated and if we want the energy to power through the Summer chaos. Drink your water.

Pick Your Current Habits to Focus On

Besides drinking your water, what will you make your non-negotiables this Summer? In other words, what habits will you make sure to hit every 80%-90% of the time this summer?

Habits such as:

• Eat 4-5 different vegetables a day
• 8,000 – 10,000 steps a day
• Eat 2-3 fruits a day
• A certain macro goal
• Eating breakfast
• Cooking dinner at home six nights a week.
• Planning your meals for the busy season
• Take your vitamins

Having non-neogiatables will give you something healthy to focus on while working toward the best version of you in a busy season of life. Take it one step further and write them on a sticky note somewhere you see daily.

Know Your Goals & Be Realistic

If you are going into a season of life where moving your body six days a week and 1 hour a day is not realistic… don’t hold yourself to those standards. Maybe move it to 4-5 days a week and give yourself some wiggle room. You’ll end up disappointed if you hold yourself to a high standard and don’t meet it.

On the other hand, if you are in a season where you DO have time or WANT to begin a health or weight loss journey but don’t know where to start, find someone to help you with your goals. Someone like a nutrition coach who can help you make your plans each week. Together you can build that list of healthy habits and work toward that healthier lifestyle.

Most importantly, as you roll into healthy girl summer, focus on what you want to focus on and know the outcome.

Whatever you choose to do, make it the best summer yet.