Fuel Your Fitness: Summer Nutrition Tips For Women 40+
Summer is HERE!!! That means sunshine, movement, and fresh, vibrant foods to fuel your fabulous life! As women in our 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, what we put on our plates can make a huge difference in how energized, strong, and radiant we feel every single day. My latest magazine, “Fit Over 50: The Menopause Issue,” has an entire section about what to eat (and what not to eat) to ease the effects of hormonal imbalance!
Whether you’re enjoying long beach walks, backyard barbecues, or spending time with family and friends, proper nutrition is your secret weapon to feel your best from the inside out. Here are my favorite feel-good summer nutrition tips to help you glow all season long!
1. Hydrate with Nature’s Best! Water is always a winner, but during hot summer days, it’s time to amp up the hydration! Sip on herbal iced teas (like peppermint or hibiscus for a cooling treat!) and snack on fruits that are high in water content, like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges and strawberries! They taste like summer AND hydrate your cells. Add fresh mint or basil to your water for a delicious, refreshing twist!
2. Balance Is Your Best Friend. Summer is full of cookouts, family fun, and food-centered gatherings and, YES, you can enjoy them! The key is to stay balanced! Don’t overeat or undereat. Tune into your body’s needs, and build your plate with intention: think lean protein, colorful veggies, and whole grains. Leave room for joy, laughter, and yes - that scoop of potato salad!
3. Power Up with Protein. Protein is so important as we age!!! It helps keep our muscles strong, our metabolism humming, and our energy up! Include quality sources like grilled chicken, salmon, beans, lentils, Greek yogurt, eggs, nuts and seeds in your meals. Try tossing some chickpeas on your salad or adding a scoop of almond butter to your smoothie for an easy AND delicious protein boost! My Denise Austin Membership includes immediate access to hundreds of delicious, high-protein breakfasts, lunches, dinners - even snacks!
4. Veggies: Your Summer Beauty Boost! Think of vegetables as your daily beauty boost - full of vitamins, minerals, and water to nourish your skin, cells, and joints! Fill half your plate with colorful veggies at each meal. Hydrating choices like zucchini, bell peppers, leafy greens, and tomatoes are great in-season options! I even have an Asian Chicken Salad that features crunch cabbage, red bell peppers, and clementines, you can find this recipe in my app! Start your FREE Trial Today - You are worth it!
5. Sprinkle in Herbs and Cooling Spices. Mother Nature knows best! Summer is the perfect time to cook with fresh herbs and spices that help you stay cool and feel amazing. Try adding basil, cilantro, mint, dill, or parsley to your dishes. Cooling spices like fennel, coriander, and turmeric are great for digestion and give your meals a fun flavor twist.
Let’s keep shining, stay strong, and feel our absolute BEST this summer! Remember - it’s not about restriction, it’s about nourishment and JOY! If you want more fresh recipes and great summer workouts, join me here in my app! Take care of that amazing body of yours, and it will take care of you.
Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!
Denise