By Gloria Agugua
… It’s a second to summer for some of us travelling but for those of us in Nigeria it’s been seconds to our rainy season and forever summer in Najia lol. …
Let’s put that summer body together…
It is very important to keep ourselves protected during the rainy season, because you can get infections frequently. It is always better to take precautions and be prepared whenever you go out of your home.
For this edition of HH people I will be writing on how to stay healthy and during the summer and also during the rainy season.
Have a Plan:
Instead of just winging it or telling yourself you’re just going to be “active” this summer, make a plan.
An example of this would be to say you are going to run 3X per week for at least 30 minutes and then do some light weight training on the other 2-3 days of the week. Make a calendar!
I personally always pick a home fitness program that I can follow on my pre-designed calendar.
Set realistic Goals:
Everyone always starts with these outrageous goals and then gets disappointed when they don’t hit them.
I’ve always found that it is BEST when you actually set realistic goals. Take some time to sit down, look at your summer calendar, be realistic about what you’re willing to do to hit your goals, and then decide on a challenging but realistic goal.
So for example, instead of saying I want to lose 20 pounds by the end of summer, try I want to lose 1/2 pound each week. These smaller and more attainable goals help you keep the momentum!
Focus on smaller Portions:
Instead of saying I’m not going to eat burgers, pasta salads, and other fun summer things, FOCUS more on just having smaller portions.
It’s not about limiting the types of foods like carbs, chocolate, alcohol.
Instead eat in moderation!
Don’t Drink Your Sugar:
Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Bloody Mary’s Mojito and the list goes on.
SERIOUSLY why does it feel there are so many delicious alcoholic adult bevvys during the summer? The temptations right!
But here’s the thing: all that extra sugar is not worth it.
Trust me!
There are way too many healthier alternatives or “skinny” version of cocktails that don’t have all that added or sugar, or other options like wine that are less damaging.
Some people will say Gloria how do you know when you do not drink alcohol? (lol) well.. I request for the virgin version of them and I enjoy them too *covers face*
Drink water:
Water helps prevent illness, keeps your bones and muscles healthy, helps maintain your weight and best of all water fuels your activates during the day.
Eat Fresh:
Reserve a place on your place on your plate every meal for fresh produce and you are sure to reap the tasty rewards.
Vitamin C:
Increasing the intake of Vitamin C will help you drive away the cold virus faster. A healthy supply of this vitamin will activate your antibodies and reduce the severity of cold, undoubtedly.
Transform activities into exercise:
If you use the stairs take the long route and add stretches and also strengthening exercises along the way.
Disconnect:
This might be very difficult for some of us but if you are on leave or plan to go on leave anytime soon you should try this.
Disconnect from the internet, put down your smart phones and see the world without Instagram, Selfies, Snapchat and Bellanaija stories.
Sleep well:
Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental and physical health, safety and quality of life.
Stay Positive:
This is a lifelong journey. Not just a summer body!
Don’t ever give up.
