Don’t Eat When You’re Thirsty
We often mistake thirst for hunger, especially during the warm months. Don’t eat when what you really want is to drink. Always ask yourself if you are really hungry.
Watch What You Drink
High-calorie beverages like soda, whole milk, juices, alcohol and sugared iced tea can add unwanted and under-appreciated calories. Drink water with lemon or mint, or try seltzer or unsweetened iced tea. Tea is loaded health benefits.
Bike Instead of Drive
Save gas, and get some exercise. A 155-pound person riding at a leisurely 10 to 12 mph can burn 423 calories in just one hour or about seven calories per minute.
Enjoy Watermelon
It’s low in calories (only 92 calories per 2-cup serving), and it fills you up because it’s 92 percent water, which helps keep you hydrated. One cup of watermelon has 7.5 to 10 milligrams of the antioxidant lycopene, which is a good source of vitamins A and C, and also contains potassium, vitamin B6 and thiamin.
Avoid Exercise Dangers
The dangers of urban air pollution are of special concern to those who exercise during the summer, says Dr. Ronald Crystal of New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Try exercising indoors. If outdoors, exercise in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. The sun is not at its peak and the ozone levels are at their lowest.
Sun Screening
Biking, swimming or walking outdoors in the summer sun? Try Bullfrog–it stays on great. Also, Bethesda Sunscreen Soap actually contains sunblock. Use it in the shower, and you’ll have protection of at least an SPF 10. The soap also has aloe vera, healing balm of Gilead, glycerin and chlorophyll.
Got carrots? A recent review of several studies that was published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology showed that eating foods rich in beta carotene or taking supplements may protect against sunburn. However, 10 weeks of use are required to show an effect. Unfortunately, supplementation with beta carotene is not a replacement for using sunscreen.
Weekend Warriors Beware of Summer Heart Attacks
Heat can play a role in heart attacks. According to Dr. Jack Flyer of CardioCare: “Heat stroke (fast heart rate, confusion, shortness of breath and cessation of sweating) is a condition that causes the body’s core temperature to rise,” and can lead to heart attacks. So don’t work out in the middle of the day, drink water before you go outside and take it with you.
