Summer in New Jersey means so many wonderful things. Days by the pool, trips to the shore and tons of fresh produce. But summer can also mean many temptations that can sabotage your healthy lifestyle. If you’re tempted to stay inside in air conditioning or indulge in ice cream every day, check out these tips to be healthy this summer.
- Check out your local farmer’s market or farm stand. Jersey produce is hard to beat. From blueberries and cherries to corn and zucchini, you can fill your plate with a rainbow of colorful, fresh produce.
- Take a walk on the boardwalk. Trips to the Jersey Shore are cherished by the entire family, but keep them healthy by making a point to walk the boards. You can a clock up to a few miles on Jersey’s famous boardwalks. Your heart will thank you!
- Have fruit for dessert. It’s very easy to indulge in a cold ice cream sundae—who doesn’t love ice cream?! But save these full-fat treats for special occasions, and try fruit for dessert most nights of the week. From frozen berries to grilled peaches, there are a ton of options to try!
- Explore a local park. New Jersey is home to dozens of great parks. Check out one near you or find a new one to explore across the state. Pack a healthy picnic lunch and create new memories with the family.
- Try kayaking or canoeing. There are several launch sites to try kayaking or canoeing. Being on the water is very therapeutic, but these boating sports are also a great workout. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Have an active vacation. If you’re planning a few days out of the office with the family, plan activities that will get your heart pumping. Try walking, biking or swimming most days to shoot for at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity for adults and 60 minutes of daily physical activity for kids.
- Join a local recreational sports team. Or start a pick-up league in your neighborhood. If you enjoy team sports such as softball, volleyball or soccer, grab a few friends and start a pick-up game. Remember to stay hydrated and learn the signs of heat stroke!
- Catch some ZZZ’s. Whether you’ve scheduled a relaxing vacation or not, sleep is always important for our overall health. While everyone’s body is different, most people need about seven hours of quality sleep each night. Being active, limiting caffeine and establishing a bedtime routine can help.
- Try yoga on the beach. Many local beaches are now offering yoga classes. Yoga is a great way to practice mindful movement which benefits overall health and wellbeing.
- Kick the soda habit. While a cool sweetened beverage may sound refreshing after a long, hot day, all the added sugar can impair your healthy lifestyle. Instead, try water infused with fresh fruit and herbs, such as strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, mint or basil.
Keeping up your healthy lifestyle over the summer is easy if you make small, meaningful and manageable changes. Staying active, eating healthy and managing stress are all important factors to stay Healthy For Good. To learn more tips, find recipes and discover workouts, visit www.heart.org/healthyforgood.