Top 5 Summer Nutrition Tips to Feel Your Best!

It’s summer! But, are you summer ready?

Warmer weather and longer days are here, but so are summer clothes. In the summer we show more skin and as the layers come off, the insecurities come out.

It could be extra weight, cellulite or varicose veins. We all have parts of our body that we prefer not to show off.

The first thing we need to do is stop worrying about it so much.

The truth is, no one really notices or cares about your so called “imperfections.” Easier said than done, we know, so here are a few summer nutrition tips to help you get summer ready and feel your best:

1. Drink more water

It sounds so simple, but water will keep your skin looking plump and hydrated and reduce water retention. It will also reduce bloating by improving bowel movements. In summer, staying hydrated is even more critical. You want to aim for at least 3 litres per day, more if you are active. Avoid sparkling water, as this inhibits digestion. Try slicing up some cucumber and lemon to infuse into your water for a refreshing summer beverage.

Quick tip for staying hydrated this summer. Slice up some lemons and cucumbers and add them to a water pitcher and keep in the fridge. Not only is it delicious and refreshing it will also help you keep track of water intake throughout the day. Ideally you want to be drinking at least 3 L of water per day maybe more if you are working out on the hot sun. Stay cool 😎 . . . #water #h20 #hydrate #summer #refreshing #funinthesun #cooloff #electrolytes #healthy #healthyhabits #selfcaresunday #selfcare #nutrition #nutritonist #toronto #yorkville #vaughan #torontonutritionist #holisticnutrition #holistichealth #essentialbalance #balance #essentialbalanceholistic

A post shared by Essential Balance (@essentialbalanceholistic) on Jul 8, 2018 at 5:25pm PDT

2. Eat your raw greens

Summer is always the time when we want to eat healthy, but find it difficult with all the BBQ’s and gatherings. The one good thing about BBQs is that you can almost always guarantee that there will be a salad (especially if you’re the one who brought it). So at your next BBQ event, try filling your plate with a nice big salad first before you reach for the steak or hamburger. Not only will the salad fill you before you indulge in the heavier foods, but the enzymes and fiber in the vegetables will help you digest other foods.

Dark leafy greens in particular stimulate bile flow to help you digest the fats. This is especially important if you are consuming animal protein. Salads also make a great meal and they don’t have to be boring. Check out our upcoming Summer Salad Series on Instagram for our exciting salad recipes that will be sure to make an impression at your next BBQ!

3. Dry Brushing

Brushing your skin has many potential benefits. It increases circulation, exfoliates, smooths out the skin, and can even reduce the appearance of cellulite. When dry brushing start at the feet and then move towards the center of the body. Use a softer brush for your face. For more information on how to dry brush watch the video below:

4. Drink Cleansing Herbal Iced Teas

Bored of water? Try some of your favourite herbal teas iced – Dandelion, milk thistle, nettle, burdock. All of these are cleansing to the liver and bowels. This will help reduce bloating and aid in weight loss. They also do not contain the inherent caffeine and added sugar as with conventional black iced tea. Start off with some bagged or lose leaf tea and steep according to packaging. If you want to sweeten it up a bit, add a touch of maple syrup or brown rice syrup. Then leave in the fridge overnight. Add sliced lemons and mint leaves for a different flavour!

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is known for helping with many health concerns and disorders, however did you know that acupuncture can used to help you handle the super-hot days and extra humidity?  Certain acupuncture points help cool the blood and release excess heat from the body.  As well, wet cupping, in which tiny cuts are made into the skin prior to the cupping treatment, can also help you feel cooler.  Acupuncture can help anyone improve their overall immune function.

Good eating habits and self-care isn’t just for summer. In order to feel your best all year around, practice these summer nutrition habits daily. They may seem simple, but that’s why they will be easier to implement and you will be amazed at the difference it makes!

And if you need a little more help, don’t hesitate to reach out for a personalized Summer Health Plan.

Summer Health 4-Session Package (reg. $480, now $395)

It’s summer! As Canadians we all look forward to this time of year, which feels so great and passes so quickly. For some of us, we need to do some preparation to look and feel our best, even during this easy-breezy season.

At Essential Balance, we have a Summer Health Plan to help you enjoy your summer to the fullest, which includes:

1. Personalized nutritional review and guidance on what your body needs
2. Easy-to-incorporate lifestyle upgrades to ensure you feel better today and every day going forward
3. Acupuncture to cool the blood and release excess heat from the body. As needed, acupuncture is combined with wet cupping, in which tiny cuts are made into the skin prior to the cupping treatment to release excess heat. Acupuncture can help anyone improve their overall immune function.

The 4-session package consists of four weekly 1-hour sessions with email support throughout – reg. $480, now $395!. Call 416-885-5558 or click to book an appointment.

Eileen Fauster is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Registered Acupuncturist and the founder of Essential Balance Holistic Health. Kirsten Colella is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. Both have helped many clients develop better eating habits, get healthier and lose weight, even when indulging in summer fun.  Book your session now!