Wellness news: Nutrition tips for the healthiest summer ever

Summer's finally here! Everyone is looking forward to backyard BBQs, day trips to the beach, and weekend getaways. The foods that often accompany these activities—hamburgers, cotton candy, potato chips and hot dogs—are hard to ignore, but do little to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs.

As the temperature rises, it's important to eat foods that will help maintain energy. So instead of reaching for that hot dog or soda, read the tips below to find out how to make this summer the healthiest season ever!   

Take advantage of fresh produce. With produce at its peak during the summer months, now is the perfect time to indulge in nature's finest by eating the freshest vegetables.   

Eat your berries. Like vegetables, the most flavorful berries are readily available in summer. Instead of reaching for apple pie à la mode, make yourself a delicious fruit smoothie for dessert.   

Choose lean meats. Backyard BBQs and outdoor cookouts are common sights during summer. But eating the traditional cookout food—hamburgers, and hot dogs—can expand your waistline and increase your fat intake. Instead of going for the traditional fare, why not choose leaner meats?   

We all scream for ice cream! As the hot, hazy days of summer go by, often the urge strikes to reach for cool, sweet snacks like ice cream, popsicles and iced coffee drinks. To satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling guilty, look for healthier alternatives. Buy low-fat versions of ice cream or sorbet. Experiment with different brands and remember to control your portions!   

Running empty on water? With scorching hot temperatures and increased outdoor activities, more and more people are suffering from dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. To stay hydrated during the summer, keep a bottle of water handy at all times. Place it somewhere you can easily reach for it. Make drinking water a habit by reaching for it at the same times each day.  

Summer is a fun season for getting outside in some much-needed warmth. It's also the season when it can be easiest to overlook important things like eating well and staying hydrated. For more tips on your healthiest summer ever visit the MyLibertyAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP) website.