The days are longer, the weather is warmer and people are spending more time outdoors—summer is almost upon us! But how can you ensure that your family is not at an increased risk for illness or injury during the most active months of the year? Here are a few tips to keep you and your loved ones protected.
Tag: summer
No Sugar Added Watermelon Ice Pops
We all love an icy-sweet treat in the end-of-summer heat, but balancing our sugar intake with healthy foods can be a challenge. Here is your answer: fruits! There’s been a rumor going around that we need to limit our fruit intake because of the all the sugar found in fruit. This is not true.
Although fruits have naturally occurring sugars, they also contain a ton of other things that are beneficial to our health, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidant phytochemicals. Added sugar is the real culprit we want to watch out for, as it comes with the same energy punch, but lacks all the other nutritional benefits that fruit has—and it’s more likely to cause a spike in blood sugar.
Added sugars are also sneaky; they aren’t just in sweets. You can find them in savory things like salad dressing, soups, pasta sauces, breads and crackers. So always check your food label. The daily limit for added sugar is a about 6 teaspoons (24g) for women and 9 teaspoons (36g) for men, while children 2 years of age and older should stay below 6 teaspoons of added sugar, and children under two should avoid it as much as possible (excluding infant formula.)
Refreshing Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
It is HOT out, and all the hefty meats and sides that come with barbecue season can leave us feeling sluggish and tired. This recipe is a great break from that feeling. It’s light and refreshing, giving you the energy to move through the heat of summer.
Spring rolls are a great way to get in a ton of nutrition-dense veggies and include some antioxidant rich herbs like mint, cilantro or basil as well. This dish also packs in the plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats between the tofu and the peanut sauce—plus it’s so easy and fun to make!
Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa
Looking to try a new and refreshing salsa this summer? Check out this delicious fruit and mango salsa that the whole family will enjoy!
Mozzarella, Zucchini and Basil Frittata
This frittata recipe is quick and easy and gives you a serving of veggies for breakfast! Look for part-skim mozzarella to help lower your saturated fat intake.
Baked Zucchini Fries
Everyone loves a crunchy French fry, but they are not always the healthiest choice. Try out these crunchy baked zucchini curly fries as an alternative. Zucchini are always available in the summer, and it is fun to try new ways to cook this delicious vegetable. Enjoy!
Sunscreen Sun Safety
This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. With many of us spending more time outdoors this season, it’s important to protect ourselves from sunburn and skin damage.
Here are a few things to remember when applying sunscreen:
Healthy Summer Picnics
We are in the height of summer grilling and picnic season. Warm summer evenings seem to call us outdoors at mealtime, and weekend barbecues and family picnics at the park are a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. But picnic season doesn’t mean you need to abandon your healthy eating habits.
The Fruits of Summer
It’s never too early to start planning your healthy summer snacks and meals around Maryland’s abundant fruit and vegetable crops. According to the Maryland’s Best website, the strawberry harvest that begins in May provides us with our first taste of locally grown fruit.
Medical Misconceptions: Sun Protection
Each month we set the facts straight regarding a popular health and wellness myth.
This month’s misconception: Sun protection practices
Today is the first day of summer and, for many, it’s a season filled with outdoor activities. Whether you’re heading to the shore or staying close to home, sun protection is vital for outdoor summer fun. This month, we’re clarifying four sun protection myths: