How are you doing with your resolutions from January? It’s been a few months, so it’s time to check back in and evaluate your progress.

Check in on what is going well and what has been challenging – reach out to your support team if needed, and set some goals for the second half of the year.

It can be easy to get off track in the summer with cookouts, graduation parties, and weddings (did someone say cookie table!?). Many of us have the notion that we’re inherently more active in the summer, but an hour of light gardening doesn’t always equal the cardiovascular benefit and calorie burn of your favorite cycling class. Here are some ways to stay (or get back) on track.

Make a Plan

Evaluate how your schedule might be different in the summer time. Do you have to drive kids to baseball three nights a week, or are you off for the summer (lucky teachers)? Think about where shopping, meal prep, and your workouts will best fit in.

Exercise vs. Activity

Since we’ve all heard how “sitting is the new smoking”, we know it’s important to be active throughout the day – taking the stairs, parking farther away, mowing the lawn instead of hiring your neighbor’s kid. But remember that all of those small steps count as being more active – they don’t take the place of structured, moderate intensity exercise. Keep up the exercise routine that makes you feel the best – and add those other activities in as a bonus.

Choose Wisely

When we’re faced with lots of tasty food options, it’s easy to overindulge. One simple way to manage your food intake is to fill at least half of your plate with low calorie fruits and vegetables – this will force to control the portions on proteins and starchy foods (choose the low fat proteins like fish or chicken, and whole grains when possible).

Stay Hydrated

We often think we’re hungry (snack time!) when really our body just needs more water. Aim for mostly calorie free beverages with no added sugar. If you need some flavor, take advantage of fresh fruit and herbs for flavoring. If you’re celebrating, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, and choose lower calorie mixers (think vodka and soda versus a pina colada).

Need Some Help?

Trouble staying motivated? Talk to someone who inspires you to be healthy, reach out to your cycling instructor or get your family on board and work as a team. Enjoy the beautiful summer days while feeling your best!