How to Embark on the Road to the Best, Healthiest Version of Yourself This Summer

Set Goals

Setting goals gives you an opportunity to take control of the direction you plan on going in while providing a benchmark that you can look back on to see how far you’ve come in your journey. First, carefully consider what you want to get out of changing your lifestyle this summer. Whether it’s developing healthier eating habits, losing weight, tackling a new fitness endeavor or any other goal you may have in mind, come up with small but specific steps that you can check off on the way to achieving your goal. The American Heart Association currently recommends five servings of vegetables per day, so try getting started by eating a serving of vegetables with every meal and snack!

Switch Up Your Staples

Staying in your (figurative) lane while on the road to the healthier you can get a bit dull at times. To avoid repetition in your meal prep routine, switch up your go-to meals and ingredients from time to time. Green Valley’s variety of options makes it easy to keep your meals fresh and exciting. Try substituting traditional side dishes with our whole kernel corn, peas or cut green beans for a simpler, more summery addition to any meal. Alternatively, shake things up by replacing your usual protein, like chicken or beef, with a vegetarian-friendly bean-based dish.

Stay Hydrated & Keep Moving

This summer (and always), drinking more water and staying active are your best friends! Staying hydrated not only helps flush toxins from the body but also increases brain function and gives you the energy you need to get moving. If staying hydrated is difficult for you, consider keeping a bottle of water with you during the day, adding a slice of lemon or lime to your glass for some flavor, and drinking water before, during and after a workout. Regular physical activity can act as a natural mood lifter, keeping you motivated and excited to chase after your goal.

Pick Up Sustainable Habits

Summer’s best activities—picnics, pool days, trips to the beach—let us spend a lot more time outdoors. It’s a great time to think about how we can take better care of the environment around us. Consider opting for fresh air over AC, plant a vegetable garden, and pick plant-based meals and snacks that have less impact on the earth.  Looking for more ways to make sustainable choices Mother Earth will thank you for this summer? Check out our April challenge!

Have Fun With It!

Above all, making healthy, responsible choices this summer should be an enjoyable experience as you try new things and adopt small habits that can have a big impact in improving your overall wellbeing. After all, the answer to what makes a healthy lifestyle doesn’t lie in restricting ourselves but rather retraining our minds and bodies to see healthy living as a holistic, delightful experience rather than a chore!

For nutritious recipes using Green Valley ingredients, check out our recipes tab and follow us on social media @ItsGreenValley!