Go ahead, get active - we've got the cute Summer gear that'll keep you covered. From sweat-wicking tanks and tees to a natural deodorant that works to the fresh drinks that'll keep you hydrated and help you recover, check out the healthy products that we're loving this month!
Stupid stress! It not only causes emotional issues, but it can affect you physically as well. Neck pain, tight and tense shoulders, stomach pains - these can all be relieved with a little de-stressing yoga. Follow this calming sequence of postures, and you're guaranteed to feel more serene and relaxed.
Source: Louisa Larson Photography
Looking to feel your best before a beach getaway? How you choose to fuel your body can make a huge difference. While there are no last-minute fixes for long-term weight loss, it is possible to beat pesky bloat and feel more confident by making a few changes to your diet when you're short on time.
First and foremost, registered dietitian Shira Lenchewski says it's essential to be hydrated. Since water helps expel waste from the body, Shira recommends "drinking two to three liters a day." Got that covered? Read up on the foods she suggests adding and removing from your diet to beat bloat and have more fun in the sun.
Probiotics: Adding natural probiotic sources into the diet can improve your digestive health and regulate bowel movements - two essential aspects of feeling your best before donning a bikini! Sure, you can take probiotic supplements, but eating foods such as plain Greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha tea can bring this good bacteria to your belly naturally.
Fiber: In the battle of the bulge, some of Shira's best defense is to include 25 to 30 grams of fiber into your diet, since it can mediate your blood glucose levels, improve digestion, and keep you satisfied for longer than low-fiber foods. These high-fiber foods will help get your creative juices flowing in the kitchen.
Potassium: Potassium-rich foods like avocados, bananas, kiwis, and dates balance your body fluids and prevent pesky bloat. The combination of these four ingredients sounds like an awesome Summer smoothie!
High-carb foods: When eating high-carb foods like cereal, pasta, and bagels, excess fuel is stored in the muscles as glycogen, says Shira. You might be surprised to learn that each gram of glycogen in the muscles is met with around "three grams of water, contributing to extra fluid retention." When you reduce your carb intake, it tells the body to burn this surplus fuel and in turn, eliminates this excess fluid.
Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like Splenda contain sucralose, a chemical which is 600 times sweeter than natural sugar. Because sucralose is so much sweeter, it overstimulates the taste buds and causes people to crave intensely sweet foods throughout the day. Many artificial sweeteners also come with an unfavorable laxative effect that brings on bloating, fast. Opt for natural sugars (sparingly) in order to beat bloat, curb cravings, and support your long-term health.
Gum: You might opt to chew gum instead of snacking, but this so-called weight-loss tool is "kind of a bikini beachgoer's worst nightmare," says Shira. Chewing gum causes swallowed air to be trapped in the GI tract and causes your belly to expand and feel bloated; steer clear of gum and sip on water instead.
Whether you're preparing a Fourth of July meal for the whole crew or just for yourself, it's fun to get in the patriotic spirit and show your appreciation with some red, white, and blue edibles. Click through for healthful dish ideas that can be made for every meal of the day.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts, Jenny Sugar, and Lizzie Fuhr
Source: Kristen Loken Photography
