Beach time, pool time, vacation time….ahhh summertime! While you’re out there catching those rays and dipping those toes, make sure you don’t have a little too much fun and experience unwanted effects such as sunburns and dehydration. Read below for helpful summertime health tips to protect yourself and your loved ones while you enjoy your summertime activities.

Healthy Electrolytes 

If you’re planning on being in the heat for extended periods of time or going for a long hike or bike ride, consider packing an electrolyte mix with you. Most electrolytes mixes in the market contain added sugars, food coloring, and artificial flavors. Optimal Electrolyte by Seeking Health is physician formulated and contains additional nutrients such as creatine and taurine that support energy, endurance, and muscle recovery.  It provides key nutrients in an easy-to-use powder form to support peak physical performance. With no artificial flavors or colors, Optimal Electrolyte offers a healthy alternative to high-sugar sports drinks. Available in three natural delicious flavors: lemonade, berry or orange or seltzer with no added flavor.

Healthy Sunscreen

Did you know that many conventional sunscreens sold on the market contain chemicals that can disrupt hormones? These chemicals act like estrogens in the body and can lower testosterone levels and contribute to conditions such as endometriosis and breast cancer. They can also negatively affect pregnant and lactating females. From the environmental standpoint, these chemicals are dangerous to our oceans and sea friends.

Hormone disrupting ingredients to watch out for in common sunscreens include:

• Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Avobenzene, Octocrylene, Octisalate
• Other harmful ingredients: parabens, phthalates, and fragrances.

Consider mineral sunscreens (not mineral-based) as a safer option for sunscreen use. Zinc oxide is one ingredients to look for when purchasing mineral sunscreens. I like either the All Good brand or Dr. Mercola Sunscreen SPF30.

When choosing a sunscreen application method, opt for lotions or creams, rather than spray or powder formulations to avoid potential inhalation concerns. The only downside to mineral sunscreens is that you may need to reapply more frequently than chemical sunscreens, so make sure to read the label carefully for the frequency of application.

Easy Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1. 3/4 cup Canned Coconut Milk (full fat)
2. 2 1/2 Banana (sliced and frozen)
3. Optional toppings: vanilla extract, cacao nibs, cinnamon, other fruits.

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Occasionally turn the blender off and scrape down the sides if needed.
2. Scoop into bowls and enjoy immediately as soft serve or for firmer ice cream, transfer to a baking pan and freeze for at least 1.5 hours before scooping.