Beginner-Friendly Ways to Start Living Healthier This Summer

Beginner-Friendly Ways to Start Living Healthier This Summer

As May turns into June, many of us start thinking about feeling our best when summer arrives. Whether you’re headed to the beach, planning backyard barbecues, or simply want more energy for warm-weather activities, small, sustainable changes can make a big difference. This guide offers summer body tips that are easy, inclusive, and effective: from healthy eating habits and hydration tricks to calorie-burning exercises and low-calorie food swaps, you’ll find practical advice to help you thrive all season long.

4 Mindful-Eating Strategies to Curb Overeating

Tip 1: Savor & Slow Down
Eating with intention is the cornerstone of mindful living (Harvard Health). Chew each bite thoroughly, pause between forks, and really notice flavors and textures. Slowing your pace can reduce overall calorie intake and help you feel more satisfied.

Tip 2: Pre-Meal Check-In
Before you start eating, ask yourself how hungry you really are on a scale from 1 to 10. Jot this down in a simple food journal and check in again 30 minutes after your meal. Tracking how you feel helps you distinguish true hunger from boredom or habit.

Tip 3: Color-Block Your Plate
Fill half your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits. High-water, high-fiber produce adds volume without excess calories, keeps you feeling full longer, and boosts your nutrient intake.

Tip 4: Hydrate Before You Eat
Drinking a full glass of water about 30 minutes before meals can help you feel fuller, faster (NIH Study). Proper hydration not only supports digestion and energy levels, but may also reduce the amount of food you need to feel satisfied. Plus, it's a simple way to stay on top of your summer wellness goals.

4 Simple Calorie-Burning Hacks You Can Do Anywhere

  1. Interval Walks
    Turn any walk into a mini workout: alternate 1 minute of brisk pace with 2 minutes of casual strolling for 15–20 minutes. This simple interval routine can burn 70–100 calories.
  2. Kitchen Calf Raises & Desk Stretches
    While waiting—whether for coffee to brew or water to boil—rise up onto your toes and lower slowly for 20 reps. At your desk, try seated leg lifts or torso twists to engage muscles and boost circulation.
  3. Jump-Rope or Imaginary Rope Bursts
    If you have a jump rope, great—if not, mimic the motion. Do three 1-minute intervals with 30-second rests. This efficient cardio session can burn about 150 calories in 10 minutes.
  4. Post-Meal Mini Walk
    Take a 10-minute stroll around your neighborhood or even inside your home after meals. Walking helps with digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and adds an easy calorie burn of 50–70 per day.

Healthy Swaps for Popular High-Calorie Foods

Craving

Swap Out

Swap In

Ice cream

Regular scoop + sugar cone

Greek yogurt parfait topped with fresh berries

Creamy pasta sauce

Alfredo or carbonara

Spiralized veggie noodles with light sauce

Sugary soda

Regular cola

Sparkling water with fresh fruit slices

Potato chips

Store-bought kettle chips

Crunchy roasted chickpeas or air-popped popcorn

Each swap cuts approximately 100–150 calories per serving while still satisfying cravings.

Bonus: Market-Fresh Mini Meal-Preps for On-the-Go

Mason-Jar Layered Salads
Build a portable salad: start with dressing at the bottom, then grains or beans, chopped veggies, and top with leafy greens. Shake and serve—no plate needed.

Metabolism-Boosting Juice or Smoothie Shots
Blend small 2–3 oz. portions of ingredients like beet, ginger, and citrus. Freeze in ice-cube trays and pop them out as needed for a quick, nutrient-dense boost.

7-Day “Summer Body” Kickoff Challenge

Day

Goal

1

Swap one sugary snack for a piece of fresh fruit

2

Try a new vegetable or fruit you’ve never had before

3

Complete 20 calf raises while doing daily tasks

4

Take a 10-minute brisk walk after at least one meal

5

Do three 1-minute high-knee or jump-in-place intervals

6

Follow a 10-minute beginner yoga or stretching video

7

Eat one meal tech-free and note how you feel afterward

 

Getting summer-ready doesn’t require strict diets or intense gym sessions—it’s all about small, consistent changes. From mindful eating and hydration habits to simple calorie-burning activities and healthy food swaps, these tips are designed to help anyone feel more energized, confident, and balanced. Whether you follow the 7-day challenge or just pick a few strategies that work for you, you’re taking meaningful steps toward a healthier, more vibrant summer, and you.

Don't forget to explore our cold-pressed juices, made fresh daily to complement your healthy lifestyle.

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