Mitchell, M. (2013, June 18). Summer - Progressive Church Media. Retrieved August 10, 2016, from http://www.progressivechurchmedia.com/category/products/season/summer/
Challenges seem to be growing in popularity, so I challenge you to be mindful about your eating choices this summer. There is no better time than now, the weather is beautiful the days are longer, motivation is in the air.
The summer is your oyster, there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available at local farmer’s markets, super markets, and home grown. We should all take advantage of the available produce and utilize it as best as we can. Try to be inventive with marinades and cooking techniques, and expose yourself to new flavors and foods.
To increase variety, try grilling pineapple, watermelon, mushrooms, and summer squashes alongside your grilled meats and fishes. Accompany your grilled items with cold salads utilizing grains and fresh produce.
Remember, while eating, be mindful of body cues. Stop and assess if you are eating to finish your plate, or because you are still hungry. There is a delay in communication between the brain and stomach when determining fullness, so there is such a thing as too much of a good thing!
While trying new flavors and new foods, don’t forget to stay properly hydrated. When the body feels thirsty you are already on your way to being dehydrated. Hydration is important for bodily functions and prevention of heat exhaustion and stroke. Water is your best choice, providing your body with exactly what it needs, opposed to cold sugary beverages we crave during the hot months that provide mostly calories.
Lastly utilize the longer days to increase daily exercising by walking, running or jogging outdoors. On the opposing side of longer days, you also need to be attentive to the amount of sleep you are getting to support your physical and mental health.
Creating a balance of variety in foods, hydration, and exercise, during the summer months will carry with you throughout the rest of the year.
The summer is your oyster, there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available at local farmer’s markets, super markets, and home grown. We should all take advantage of the available produce and utilize it as best as we can. Try to be inventive with marinades and cooking techniques, and expose yourself to new flavors and foods.
To increase variety, try grilling pineapple, watermelon, mushrooms, and summer squashes alongside your grilled meats and fishes. Accompany your grilled items with cold salads utilizing grains and fresh produce.
Remember, while eating, be mindful of body cues. Stop and assess if you are eating to finish your plate, or because you are still hungry. There is a delay in communication between the brain and stomach when determining fullness, so there is such a thing as too much of a good thing!
While trying new flavors and new foods, don’t forget to stay properly hydrated. When the body feels thirsty you are already on your way to being dehydrated. Hydration is important for bodily functions and prevention of heat exhaustion and stroke. Water is your best choice, providing your body with exactly what it needs, opposed to cold sugary beverages we crave during the hot months that provide mostly calories.
Lastly utilize the longer days to increase daily exercising by walking, running or jogging outdoors. On the opposing side of longer days, you also need to be attentive to the amount of sleep you are getting to support your physical and mental health.
Creating a balance of variety in foods, hydration, and exercise, during the summer months will carry with you throughout the rest of the year.
