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While summer is the perfect time for fun outdoor activities, it’s also the season of body-baring. We’ll get you ready to reach for the beach.
Summer is here, and with that comes summer pool parties, summer vacations and plenty of short summer outfits. While we’re big advocates for living a healthy lifestyle over quick-fix, crash diets, we can’t help but wonder if there’s anything we can do for a last-minute boost. So we asked some of our favorite wellness experts to share their last-minute fitness tips to look and feel our best.
Aside from feeling tired, run down and mentally foggy, not being properly hydrated can wreak havoc on your skin, and cause you to retain water and bloat, too.
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STAY HYDRATED
Can drinking more water help you look better? Actually, yes. Aside from feeling tired, run down and mentally foggy, not being properly hydrated can wreak havoc on your skin, and cause you to retain water and bloat, too.
“One of the best things we can do for our bodies is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! This will help our bodies perform at their best! You’ll be energized, your skin will thank you and you’ll be feeling good,” says Brooke Carlson, NASM Certified Personal Trainer.
Not satisfied with the generic eight-glasses- per-day approach? Get a precision hydration test at CERULEAN Advanced Fitness and Wellness to learn exactly how much water your unique body needs this summer. While there, pick up their smart water bottle that tracks your intake to literally train you to drink what your body needs.
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SAY NO TO CAFFEINE
That extra jolt in the morning has its own rewards, but it can also cause stress and anxiety, not things we need during the summer.
“Start to cut back on caffeinated beverages to reduce the adrenaline/cortisol rush, you’ll have enough adrenaline pumping through your system to manage the airport experience,” says Bonnie Roill, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Lifescape Nutrition,
B3Nutrion. “Caffeine increases cortisol levels which can increases sugar cravings and triggers fat storage.”
Opt for a decaf green tea with fresh lemon, a natural diuretic that can help fight bloating and aid digestion.
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EAT CLEAN
Don’t crash diet, but do nourish your summer body with clean, healthy eats. By choosing lean, healthy proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables, you can make an impact, even if it’s a few days before your trip!
“For a last-minute get fit hack it all comes down to diet! Eat as lean, clean and green as possible, like organic grilled chicken and veggies” says Nikki Metzger, Owner of BODI in Scottsdale. For even better results, pass on the grains altogether.
Pressed for time to cook healthy? We love an organic meal delivery program like Sakara Life, that delivers fresh, nutrient-dense and delicious foods to your doorstep.
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GET YOUR ZZZs
It’s especially important leading up to back-to-back summer activities to give your body the proper amount of sleep, says Roill.
“Get in bed by 10 p.m. the week leading up to the vacation. Sleep helps to keep a healthy immune system. The stress of travel and the exposure to many people can easily result in a reduced immune system and post-vacation colds.”
Need help winding down? We love a good soak with G.Night Bedtime Bath Soak from Goop.
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BODY WORK
An organic spray tan can cap off your dare-to-go bare look in your new swimsuit and create the illusion of a more svelte appearance. Check out Bronze Buddha Glow and Organic Rae’s Spray Tan to make sure you’ve got a healthy, head-to-toe glow
Need a glow at home? We love Coola Sunless Tan Dry Body Oil Mist and Coola Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum, both certified organic and non-GMO.