Healthier Habits for the Summer

It’s summer. Hallelujah!

And just in case you hadn’t noticed (how’s the weather under that rock?), people are vacationing, dining out, drinking on patios and festival-hopping in full force. Honestly! Some days I need to stay off Instagram, where I’m constantly reminded of friends’ summertime travels and exploits.
The above photo is courtesy of my blogging bestie Stephanie Holmes, who’s currently in Turks and Caicos. I know, right? You can say it. I was totally thinking it too.

However, I’m not mad at her, because we’re off to Niagara Falls for the long weekend! There, we’ll get wet at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, enjoy a special meal in the revolving dining room at Skylon Tower, and even take in a little cross-border shopping action (I miss Target!). 

Of course, I’m fairly certain we’ll also be indulging – for me, summer is a time to eat, drink and pray the swimsuit has a little more stretch. And who can deny themselves sangria on a patio, calamari by the beach or beaver tails in an amusement park? They’re simply a must-do! But what happens when you consume all these rich, decadent food and drink concoctions? Often, it spells tummy trouble, in the form of bloating, uneasiness or constipation. Here are some tried and true ways to keep your digestive health at its best during the warmer summer months:

1. Dinner with friends is fabulous, but make sure you are choosing a high-fibre diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole-grain cereals and breads, aiming to consume 20 to 30 grams of fibre daily. Try to have at least one meal at home every day.

2. Treat yo’self! In moderation, of course. Limit low-fibre foods, such as ice cream, cheese and processed foods, and foods that are high in fat and sugar. Remember that treats should be “occasional” and not a staple part of your diet, regardless of the season (or temptation).

3. Stay hydrated! Especially in the warm summer months; dehydration can creep up on you before you know it and play havoc on your body. Drink plenty of liquids and try to limit your caffeine intake. Summer is a great time to swap coffee for herbal teas!

4. Exercise regularly to help stimulate intestinal function, aiming for 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. During summer months, try to limit your intense outdoor activities to early morning or evening when humidity is low.

5. Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, which can lead to constipation. If you are constipated, it’s a good idea to make dietary and lifestyle changes. For further symptom relief, you can try gentler non-stimulative laxatives or consider using stimulant laxatives sparingly, in the short-term. Visit www.dulcolax.ca for more information about bowel health and treatment options.

Here’s wishing you a summer filled with good food and good fun!

Tell Me: What will you indulge in this summer?