Summer Exercise & Snacks Ideas to Keep Cool

Although I was born and raised in the South, the California summers are something I can never seem to get used to. I find myself saying, ‘I can’t believe how hot it is!‘ every day, all day. With my ‘Get out of the Gym & Get into Shape’ philosophy, I’ve gotten creative with ways to exercise and eat right in spite of the oppressive summertime heat.

Don't just sit by the pool...GET IN IT!

Put down that magazine and get in the pool! Here are 5 terrific cardio exercises you can do AND stay cool.

1. Tread water: get in the deep end and start treading. Get your heart rate up by using just your legs and then just your arms.
2. Pool Walks: in waist deep water, walk from one end of the pool to the other. Mix it up by taking long strides and then short ones.
3. Kicks: at camp we work on 'little swimmers', here's your chance to do it for real! Grab the side of the pool with your arms extended, tummy down and start flutter kicking.
4. Swimming: really swim. I'm not talking about the American Crawl or the Butterfly, but really swimming the Breast Stroke or my mom's favorite, the Side Stroke, is great for your arms.
5. Playing with your kids: no matter how old your kids are they would love it if you got in the pool. Little kids love to jump off the side and tweens & teens love to throw the football or play water volleyball. Enjoy them this summer!

Feeling Snacky?…Try these summertime Treats.

My kids hate hearing about ’Nature’s Candy’… Here are 5 easy, delicious and healthy snacks that even the pickiest eaters will love!

1. Frozen grapes: drop a few zip-loc baggies full of red or green grapes in the freezer the night before a day at the pool.
2. Fruit smoothies: 1cup of yogurt, frozen pineapple, black cherries and bananas are a favorite in my house. Try your own concoction with frozen peaches, blackberries, blueberries and more. Make a double batch and put the rest in the freezer.
3. Frozen fruit: freeze lemon, lime or orange slices and put them in your water. It helps make the 100oz you should be drinking a little less boring.
4. Healthy Cookie Dough: freeze ½ cup of natural peanut butter and raisins, formed into a roll, for 2 hours and cut into slices. This makes for a great ’cookie dough’ double.
5. Slice a banana and drizzle with maple syrup and cinnamon, toothpick each slice and cover - put in the freezer for 2 hours. Add to vanilla yogurt and it’s a sweet and nutritious mini ‘dessert’.

And to think, in about 5 months, I’ll start saying ’I can’t believe how cold it is!’ every day, all day!