Summer is one of our favorite seasons at Citrus Pear. The weather is warm, there’s plenty to do, and our favorite freezer meals keep everyone happy and fed without heating up the house.  Summertime isn’t all fun and games though.  Keeping up with everyone’s summer activities can take a toll which is why it is even more important to focus on keeping yourself well fed and hydrated.

Planning Ahead

The best way to stay well fed is to plan ahead.  When life gets busy it’s easy to rely on fast food to keep you going.  While this might be convenient on occasion, thinking ahead can keep you from hitting the drive-thru too many times in one week.  Look at your week's activities and plan some quick, nutritious meals that will fit within your schedule.  Summer is a great time to throw some protein and veggies (even some fruits!) on the grill, or your favorite Citrus Pear meal in the crockpot.  Whatever you do, make it a priority to get the nutrients you need to keep your body running!

Getting Veggie With It

Summer is also a great time to squeeze extra produce into your diet.  Fruits and vegetables provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and cancer-fighting phytochemicals.  Try a trip to your local farmers market for the freshest, locally grown produce.  Or, even better, get outside and grow it yourself! Not only will garden produce improve your health and wellbeing, but research has shown that a family garden increases the amount of fruits and vegetables kids eat.  Keep your body fueled and ready to roll with the abundance of produce summer has to offer.

Staying Hydrated

After long days spent in the sun it is not only important to fuel your body with nutritious food, it's important to stay hydrated with plenty of liquids.  Even after relaxing all day on the lake, dehydration can leave you feeling less rested and more exhausted.  Water keeps your body functioning, which is why proper hydration is such a priority.  

So what’s the best way to stay hydrated? First and foremost, water, water, water!  During the summer the commonly recommended 8 cups-a-day probably won’t cut it so make sure you’re drinking enough to avoid feeling thirsty.  If you know you’ll be sweating a lot, or working hard in the sun for longer than 1 hour, you should consider a drink with electrolytes to replace what you’re losing in sweat.  Even fruits and vegetables can provide much needed fluid.  Lastly, try to minimize fluids with added sugars to get the most nutritional benefit from your beverages.  

Summer is such a fun time to enjoy with family and friends, but you can make it even more enjoyable by taking care of your body.  With proper food and hydration you’ll be ready to go all summer long!

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