Originally published September 12 2008
Five Ways to Stay Healthy in the Summer
by Sheryl Walters
(NaturalNews) Summer is the time to enjoy being outside and feeling revitalized after the winter. Many people find that they feel healthier and more vibrant during this season. There are many things that will ensure that we enjoy good health and wellbeing all summer long. Here are 5 fun ways to keep well.
Raw Foods
Enjoy as many raw foods as possible. While cooked food tastes nice, especially on a cold winter's day, vital nutrients are damaged and lost. Further, cooking adds chemicals that aren't particularly natural to our bodies. Summer is the perfect time to introduce as many raw foods as possible in the diet.
Raw salads and smoothies will keep you going in the summer. A greater variety of fruits and vegetables means more nourishment for your body and is better for your health. It also means that you won't waste valuable sunshine time standing over your cooker, and you may find that you look more gorgeous than ever in your summer clothes.
Wild Foods
By now, most of us know that blueberries are great for health. But there are plenty of berries that grow wild all over the world which can give us many of those same nutrients and antioxidants.
I find it funny when I see a small amount of blackberries on sale in the supermarket for quite a hefty price, and they are growing all around us for free. You may be surprised to discover that there are wild berries near where you live.
There may also be wild plants to use in salads, such as dandelion. Nettles can be used in tea, and they can also be juiced. Find out what foods grow wild in your area, and make the most of these free foods that are highly nutritious.
Sun Screen?
Sunscreen is a tricky subject. On the one hand we know that overexposure to sun causes aging skin and even cancer, we also know that the best way to get vitamin D, which is essential for our health, is through the sun. Studies are also continuously showing that many mainstream brands of sunscreen contain chemicals that are no good for our wellbeing. Here are a few ways to deal with the sun:
* Make sure your sunscreen is organic.
* Cover up -- a hat will not only protect you from the sun, it can add style and flare to your outfit!
* Studies show that lycopene is extremely beneficial in protecting us from the negative effects of the sun. Lycopene is a plant nutrient found primarily in tomatoes and tomato based products such as juice and puree, as well as watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, and red bell pepper.
* There are also some interesting studies to suggest that broccoli sprouts (which you can sprout yourself or buy at a health food shop), are beneficial for warding off harmful sun rays.
Drink Water
It is crucial to drink plenty of water all year long, and no time is it as refreshing and necessary as in the summer months. We are primarily made of water, and drinking plenty of plain agua will ensure that we feel well and vibrant during the hot months. Just watch a wilting plant in the sun come alive when it gets watered.
Exercise
Summer is the time to get outside. If you have wanted to get in shape and get into some healthy exercising habits, there is no better time than now. Figure out what you enjoy doing, and do it 4-5 times a week.
Bicycling, skateboarding, running, or just walking regularly for 20 minutes can make us feel better and improve our health... not to mention how we look and feel with our winter jackets off.
About the author
Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous. You can also find some of the most powerful super foods on the planet including raw chocolate, purple corn, and many others.
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