Health All Summer Without Pushing Pause on Fun
.jpg)
Natalie Stein
CDC Lifestyle Coach, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and expert in nutrition, public health, and healthy lifestyle choices
In this article:
- In most cases, you don’t have to choose between summer fun and progressing towards health and weight goals.
- Planning ahead can help you get in physical activity and nutritious foods.
- Taking a few seconds for a mindful check-in can help you stay calm and make choices you feel good about.
- Balancing flexible schedules with predictable routines makes it easier stay on track on July 4, other summer occasions, and vacations.
- Structured support and small changes can help you fit healthy living into your regular lifestyle for long-term success.
- Lark can support you 24/7 as you make healthy choices to lose weight and manage blood sugar, blood pressure, or other conditions with or without GLP-1s.
Summer fun can mean grilling and cookouts, July 4 parties, fun in the pool or at the beach, and vacations - but what does that mean for your waistline? Many people worry that they have to choose between having fun and living healthily, but that’s not the case.
It’s possible to live healthy and have fun, too. Planning ahead, making a few different choices, and shifting your mindset can help you make healthier choices this summer while you have fun this summer. Here are some tips to make it easier to enjoy July 4, vacations, and other seasonal events guilt-free.
Put Mind Over Matter with a Positive Mindset Shift
Your mind is powerful. Change your mindset to be positive, and your entire health journey can be easier. That’s because a more positive mindset can make you actually want to make healthier choices, and it can help you appreciate every step forward that you take.
Here are some shifts in thinking that can be helpful.
| Old (Negative) Thought | New (Positive) Thought | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "I ate ice cream, so I’ve already ruined the day. I might as well give up until tomorrow." | "That ice cream was delicious and exactly what I wanted. Now, I’m ready to fuel my body with a nutritious dinner." | ||||
| "I wish I could have a hot dog and potato salad like everyone else, but I'm on a diet." | "I’m excited to try that new grilled shrimp and asparagus recipe—it makes me feel light and energized for the beach later." | ||||
| "I’m on vacation, so my health goals don't count until I get back home." | "I’m on vacation, so I have more time to enjoy long walks and fresh, local seafood that makes me feel great." | ||||
| The Goal | Action Items |
|---|---|
| When to Check In |
|
| How to Check In |
Here are a few more tips for mindful check-ins. Plan Ahead to Ensure Healthy Options AnywhereWhether it’s a July 4 barbecue, a cookout with friends at the beach, a special dinner on the road, or a casual work picnic, planning ahead can be a literal lifesaver. It can help you guarantee that there will be healthy options available for you to eat - so that you not only get nutrients, but you’re less likely to overeat calories, sugar, and saturated fat. Here are some tips for finding nutritious options at a July 4 cookout or other summer parties. When deciding what to bring, you have the option of bringing enough to share. Here are some examples of nutritious foods that are easy to contribute. For a sweet, cold treat, frozen grapes or frozen pops made with fruit and Greek yogurt can save hundreds of calories compared to ice cream. Establish Habits Based on Flexible Behaviors That Travel AnywhereIf you’re traveling or taking time off, your schedule can shift. It’s good to be flexible, but it’s also good to plan for healthy choices. It’s possible to do both without too much stress! One tip is to make healthy choices that you can do anywhere. Here are some examples. Check these tips for planning for a healthy vacation and making healthy food and activity choices on the road. Sustainable Changes This Summer and Long-Term for Health with MDPPThis summer and beyond, empower yourself to be as healthy as possible by adapting a positive attitude, making small, consistent choices, and appreciating life. There’s no need to wait for January to roll around before you hit the road on the path to healthy living. Get started now! It’s common to feel like you’re going against the majority when you’re trying to lose weight or make healthy choices to manage blood sugar, blood pressure, or another health condition. In addition, a diagnosis of prediabetes can feel overwhelming. Consistent, healthy choices day in and day out can help you reach your goals, but more support can always help! Lark is always there for members to offer unconditional support. You may be eligible for Lark’s Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) if you’re on Medicare Advantage. Lark also has programs for non-Medicare DPP, Hypertension management, Diabetes management, and weight management with or without GLP-1 medications. You may be eligible through your insurance! Lark Can HelpSummer can be one of the most fun and healthiest seasons when you balance special events with healthy choices. Lark can help you make decisions that leave you feeling guilt-free and energized. Your Lark coach is available 24/7 for encouragement, nutrition and physical activity coaching, and habit tracking. Lark can help you make healthy choices and establish habits that fit into your lifestyle so you can lose weight and keep it off with or without GLP-1 medications. Click here to see if you may be eligible to join Lark today! Calorie and nutrient information in meal plans and recipes are approximations. Please verify for accuracy. Please also verify information on ingredients, special diets, and allergens.    Lark offers digital coaching and smart devices   1 in 3 people are at risk for diabetes–Lark can help Grab your insurance card and take a short quiz to see if you can get Lark digital coaching and smart devices at no cost to you. Similar posts  Lark Webinar Summer Momentum WorksheetUse this worksheet to plan your healthy summer and keep up your momentum! Learn more   Making Food Your Friend: A New Approach to Healthy LivingTransform your relationship with food from foe to friend. Learn how mindful eating, the Plate Method, and positive habits can support weight loss, blood sugar, and heart health. Learn more   Summer Snack Swaps: Staying Cool, Healthy, and On TrackBeat the summer heat without spiking blood sugar or pressure. Discover healthy snack swaps to stay on track with weight loss, manage diabetes, and enjoy delicious, nutrient-dense summer favorites. Learn more |
.webp)
