Clear your mind, body and schedule as you kick off summer! And do it with ease! This month you’ll learn how tomatoes, chocolate and coffee can help soften your skin, protect you from the summer sun and even help prevent chronic diseases! By making just a few small changes to your diet and lifestyle you’ll reap huge rewards. Whoever said eating healthy wasn’t fun hadn’t spoken to the pros at Keri Glassman, A Nutritious Life!  Enjoy your June monthly tips!

Sleep: Studies show that eating too much fat can disrupt sleep patterns. And while about 30% of the day’s calories should come from fat, not all fats are created equal. This month, make sure to incorporate heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats into your diet. By eating portion controlled “good fats,” you'll ensure a restful night sleep. Try snacking on almonds, avocado and sprinkling flax seeds on your yogurt!

Stress: Scope out the nearest gym that teaches Zumba classes and you’ll find yourself de-stressing through dance. Zumba classes combine a cardiovascular workout with an exciting fusion of hip-hop, ballroom, and African dance. Not only will you burn more calories than you would during your average gym class, you will also learn how to free yourself of inhibitions and unwind from a hard week in the office.

Fluids: While we don’t recommend drinking excessive amounts of coffee, drinking coffee in moderation is proven to be beneficial to your health. Studies show that the antioxidants in coffee help prevent Parkinson's, reduce the risk of colon cancer, and lower your risk of gallstones and liver cirrhosis. Drink 1 to 2 cups a day with skim or soy milk, and avoid artificial sweeteners for maximum health benefits. 

Diet: While you’re picnicking in the park this summer, don’t forget to pack your picnic basket with cherry tomatoes and watermelon to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. These foods are all rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which acts as a natural sunscreen and replenishes skin cells. Of course no one likes to be sunburned or wrinkled; so while you’re eating lycopene filled-foods, make sure to also apply sunscreen!

Personal Time: Take a night off and curl up on the couch with your favorite bar of dark chocolate. By eating (small amounts) of dark chocolate you’ll help protect your skin from exposure to UV rays. Dark chocolate offers photo-protection and improves the skin’s appearance, as a result of decreased sensitivity to UV light. Who knew that eating healthy could be so enjoyable!

Exercise: Looking to stay fit and help the environment this summer? Try biking to work, to run errands or just for fun! Live in Manhattan? Lucky you! NYC is jam-packed with green spaces and bike lanes to help you get where you need to go. Find a convenient path of your own at www.nycbikemaps.com. Live in another city or suburb? Logon to your town or village’s website, and check out their recreation department to find local bike/area maps and outdoor activities.

Beauty: Tired of having dark circles under your eyes? Instead of using potatoes for your summer bbq, use them on your under-eyes! Studies show that potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase that is proven to lighten your skin and even out pigmentation. Scrub one potato clean and cut it into thin slices. Cover your eyes with the potato slices for 5-10 minutes twice a week and you’ll see your dark circles fade away!

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