5 WAYS TO GET BEACH BODY READY: THE NON-DIET EDITION

Having that perfect beach body isn’t all about the way it looks!  Go beyond the physique and be prepared for those warm summer months ahead.

BY: TARYN SCHUBERT, RD

It’s that time of year when people start to worry about getting “beach body” ready. There’s a lot of information out there on what you should or shouldn’t do to get ready for the summer months. Your inbox is likely filling up with emails such as “5 Weight Loss Hacks That Give You Your Hottest Summer Body Yet.”

Ah yes, the summer is upon us.

But rather than thinking about your physique, what about your overall health in that scorching hot weather?

Here are the top 5 health areas to keep in mind to truly get your body summer-ready:

1. WATER

Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly in the heat, especially if you’re physically active. Make sure you have a water bottle with you when you’re spending time outdoors, and drink from it often. By the time you feel thirsty you’re already dehydrated.

If you like to exercise outside, do it during the cooler parts of the day such as mornings and evenings.  Try and stay out of the sun as much as possible during the heat of the day, especially on those record-breaking days. Heat stroke kills many people every year, with over 7,400 people who died from heat-related illness between 1999 and 2010 in the U.S.. Be aware of the heat, and when you and your loved ones may be better off inside.

2. SNACKS

When you’re out at the beach or the park all day it’s easy to forget to eat. Sometimes heat can suppress appetite so you don’t even realize you’re hungry until you’re famished. When you skip a meal or go too long without eating, you’re more likely to overeat once you have food in front of you. That’s why it’s a good idea to always have some kind of snack in your bag. It can be as simple as an apple or small bag of granola. Just something non-perishable that will give your blood sugar a quick boost.

3. SUNSCREEN

Who doesn’t love being outdoors especially in the summer? But if you’re not careful, you can pay a price for all that fun in the sun. Skin cancer rates are on the rise; every year in the U.S., more than 3.3 million people are treated for skin cancer. Invest in a good sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and reapply often! If you need help deciding on a sunscreen, you can get the facts here.

4. HAND SANITIZER

Germs are a year round thing and nobody wants a cold in the summer. Always make sure your hands are clean before touching your face.

5. MEAT THERMOMETER

Summer is the time for grilling out, but before you serve up that delicious feast, do a quick temperature check on your meat to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. After all, you want to spend the summer out having fun, not stuck at home (or in the hospital) with food poisoning.

And watch out for that char when you’re grilling meat!  There is no need to increase your chances of consuming cancer-causing compounds.

Now that’s what I like to call ‘beach body’ ready!

HEADER IMAGE: ABBIE BERNET

Taryn Schubert, RD is a Los Angeles-based Registered Dietitian and NASM Certified Personal Trainer helping people create healthy diets that fit their lifestyle. With her specialty in adult weight management and mindful eating, Taryn believes food should be a source of joy and nourishment, not “good” or “bad” in the way society perpetuates. Visit Taryn and begin creating your healthier relationship with food.