(BPT) – Barbeques, ice cream, baseball game hotdogs and indulging on vacation: All are major factors that make it difficult to maintain the healthy lifestyle you kick-started in the New Year. A recent survey from Prevention and Centrum reveals the majority of Americans say that it’s easier to eat poorly than to eat healthily, and nearly half are concerned they may not be getting enough of one or more key nutrients.
Despite all the temptations that summer has to offer, you can do a few simple things to keep health and nutrition a priority:
* Keep moving! With so many outdoor options in the warm weather, it’s easy to stay active. Go for an early morning run with a buddy, keep moving even at the office by suggesting “walking meetings” with your colleagues, play games with your kids and throw in a few laps at the pool before you hit the sun loungers.
* Wear sunscreen! No need to explain why this is so important. Apply at least SPF 15 to exposed areas before you go outside, and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
* Stay hydrated! Heat and being active means it’s even more important to drink water throughout the summer. Put freezer-safe containers of water in the freezer to keep it refreshingly cool all day long, or add fruit and/or herbs for an added flavor kick! Try lemon slices, lime and mint or strawberry and basil!
* Make easy substitutions! We’ve all been there – you spend an afternoon at a friends’ barbecue and before you know it, you’ve had three hotdogs, a burger and a bowl of ice cream. But being mindful of health doesn’t mean you have to forgo the grill altogether. Make a big salad and throw the burger patty on top, or make yummy veggie and meat kabobs for the grill. And dessert doesn’t have to mean an ice cream sundae. Many fruits are in season in summer, and a big fruit salad of berries and melons (or fruit kabobs) can be so much more refreshing. Make ice pops with fruit, and don’t forget that grill. Try some grilled pineapple and check out food blogs for more great ideas.
* Add a multivitamin! Supplementing a healthy, active lifestyle with a multivitamin can help ensure the body gets essential nutrients daily. New formulations, like Centrum MultiGummies, make for a great-tasting way to get key nutrients to help support energy, immunity and metabolism. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease but rather help consumers fill daily dietary gaps. “The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that nine out of 10 Americans are not getting enough of key essential nutrients such as vitamins D and E, despite efforts to eat right,” says Elizabeth Ward, a registered dietitian, author and nutrition consultant. “This goes to show how difficult it is to include vital nutrients in the diet. New Centrum MultiGummies are an enjoyable way to get vitamins and minerals that support overall nutritional health.”
Centrum MultiGummies are available in three natural flavors (berry, cherry and orange), are gluten-free, use only natural colorants, and do not contain any artificial sweeteners.
Visit www.Centrum.com/Centrum-MultiGummies for more information and to receive a $2 coupon off your next Centrum purchase (limited time offer; while supplies last).
