As the mercury rises and summer makes its presence known, there's no denying the season of relaxation and leisure is upon us. With its long evenings enjoying the cool outdoors, dreams of vacations and relaxation nearing, and the infamous aperitifs, barbecues, and other festivities filling up your calendar, a few extra pounds tend to sneak in during this time of year. Even worse, faced with anxiety, you might start stocking up on water and dry bread to counter the guilt of indulging a bit too much.
To combat the inevitable September blues, here are some alternative solutions and good habits to adopt so you can enjoy your summer with peace of mind!
Healthy Alternatives to Enjoy Guilt-Free
If, like me, you enjoy the pleasures of the table, adjust your guilty pleasures with lighter alternatives:
For Food
Opt for homemade sauces with fresh cheese or light vinaigrette.
Include seasonal vegetables in your aperitifs, such as cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, celery, radishes, etc.
Fill the table with fresh salads: lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans... there's something for everyone.
Finish meals with fruity notes by swapping ice cream for a bowl of your favorite fruits.
For Drinks
Stay refreshed with delicious flavored waters using cucumber, strawberries, lemon, or other citrus fruits.
Use your morning tea bags to brew a flavorful, sugar-free iced tea. (You can even add agave syrup or stevia for a sweeter touch.)
Opt for concentrated fresh fruit juices diluted with water.
Or make yourself delicious smoothies with seasonal fruits.
While these should be consumed in moderation, they are excellent alternatives that will give you a boost of energy and complement your breakfasts.
Take Advantage of Cooler Moments to Stay Active
While it's tempting to stay cool without moving much, especially if you're bothered by the heat, a sedentary lifestyle doesn't mix well with calorie accumulation. So:
Stay active by choosing times when the heat is not too overwhelming, such as at sunrise or sunset.
Enjoy a walk on one of your favorite trails, ideally near a body of water where you can cool off.
Swap the heat of the tracks for a breezy walk in the forest where the air is often more breathable thanks to the shade and coolness provided by the trees.
! If you're exercising, always have a good source of hydration and be careful of thermal shocks if you're going to air-conditioned spaces!
Conclusion
While the pleasures of the table might give you some guilt about your waistline, it would be a shame to deprive yourself of these enjoyable moments that summer offers. So, eat without guilt by alternating the solutions mentioned above and adopting good habits.
Ensure you stay well hydrated and balance your cravings without depriving yourself. Listen to your body when it reaches satiety and avoid the trap of overcompensation that often comes with the frustration of excessive rationing.
And you, what are your tips for staying on track during the summer? Feel free to share in the comments.
Cheers, bon appétit, and have a great holiday!