In the last blog, we journeyed down the path of ways to plan to be able to enjoy the summer while still staying happy and healthy. These small reachable goals allow you to keep on track with the healthiest version of you while still being able to enjoy your summer. This week, DC Metro Area dietitian Kay Loughrey wants to dive deeper into what it looks like to discover the flexible version of you, one who maneuvers the challenges while planning ahead. Keep reading for this week’s tips that will keep helping you walk towards that healthy and happy version of you. Also, at the end of this blog, Kay will be sharing some very exciting news, so stay tuned for that as well!
With summer comes the warm weather, fresh summertime foods, and vacations. But what also comes can be some change in structure and a few challenges. When structure and daily routines change, it can feel easy to let go of the healthy habits you have worked so hard to build. Habits such as hydrating, healthy portions, necessary sleep patterns, and daily movement for the good of your body can feel interrupted by summer plans. Even normal eating patterns can be interrupted with things like travel and temperature. So what is the solution?
Planning ahead of time! Combining the happy feeling of summer flexibility with the dedication to map out a plan and take small steps during and after being flexible can truly help you stay on track. Consider the event or summer party you are about to attend. Give yourself the freedom to be flexible with one part of the meal (main, drink, dessert) and then choose to do your best to stay on track with your normal as much as possible in the other areas! Or if you are vacationing at a destination that allows you to prepare your own food, lean into that and plan fun meals that you and your companions have wanted to try. This preparing food at home can allow to be creative with your meals and include foods that you love while remaining in control of portions and what ingredients are included. When you do venture out to that annual favorite vacation restaurant, remember to consider your options as you read over the menu. Note the ingredients listed and how the food is being prepared. It will make a difference in your ability to enjoy your favorite summer outing foods while keeping consciously on track. Now, for the news we have all been waiting for…
For years, Sweet Life Wellness has been focusing on directing you towards habits and goals to help you live your happiest and healthiest life. Now, Registered Dietitian Kay Loughrey is thrilled to announce the publication of her book, “Happy Life at a Healthy Weight – Creating a Shame Free, Healthy Relationship with Food and Life.” This book, a culmination of over thirty years of Kay’s work in the health promotion, nutrition, and dietetics fields, combines all of Kay’s wisdom and insights with her personal experiences into a lovely read that encourages you to consider what causes the food-shame connection, intentionally consider the fifteen roadblocks to healthy living as well as ways to overcome them, and explore a lifestyle guide that will help you live the life you want at the weight you want! The book will be available for order through Amazon by the end of July!
Click here for our previous blog post on Preparing for Summer Success.
Resources
National Library of Medicine. “Eating Habits and Behaviors.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000349.htm. Accessed July 18, 2024.
National Library of Medicine. “Recipes.” https://medlineplus.gov/recipes/. Accessed July 18, 2024.
National Library of Medicine. “Healthy Habits for Weight Loss.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000733.htm. Accessed July 18, 2024.
National Library of Medicine. “Eating Out.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000339.htm. Accessed July 18, 2024.
Kay Loughrey, MPH, RDN, LDN
Transformational Speaker, Breakthrough Coach, Nutritionist-Dietitian
Karis N. Hicks
North Carolina Central University M.S. – Nutrition Studies
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