summer-related stories
Sunglasses That Are Good For Your Body - This Week on AOL Health
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| Photo: Getty Images |
Hot Weather Workouts
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| Photo: wwfcanada, Flickr |
At home exercise. Work out in the convenience of your own air-conditioned living room. To keep things interesting, try swapping workout DVDs with a friend or renting new ones.
Dive right in. Swimming may be the best hot weather workout there is. You can visit a local community center's indoor pool.
Video games. Try out Wii Fit. Who ever said video games weren't good for you?
Climb the stairs. If you live in an apartment building or there are multiple floors in your workplace, you've got free fitness gear at your disposal.
Do More With Melon
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| Photo: moreno0101, Flickr |
First, think about pairings, and go beyond the typical fruit salad combos. Think about prosciutto, avocado, honey and syrups, herbs like tarragon or basil, regular salads or whatever else comes to mind. Could some honeydew add a new flavor to your favorite smoothie? Can you see yourself chilling out with a watermelon-flavored popsicle?
As is often the case, Martha Stewart has the answer. Over at wholeliving.com, you'll find recipes for everything from Watermelon Gazpacho (a soup that combines delicious veggies with juicy watermelon) to Easy Melon Sorbet (a delicious frozen dessert that doesn't require any special tools beyond a food processor).
Got a favorite melon recipe? Or are you a melon purist, believing that melon should only be eaten fresh and on its own?
Walking the Walk - Day 3
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| Photo: Watermelon is a sweet summer treat. sxc.hu |
An easy place to start is incorporating just one fruit or veggie into every meal or snack. (If you're not a snacker, aim for two servings at every meal.) Today, I ate two small plums with my breakfast smoothie, a whole bunch of carrots and cucumbers with hummus for lunch, and I had a big bowl of fruit salad -- cantaloupe and watermelon -- with my grilled turkey sandwich (also topped with romaine and tomato) for dinner.
I don't like to spend a lot of time at a hot stove in the summer, so these simple meals worked perfectly for me.
Blueberry-Peach Crisp
Recipe Rehab with Tanya Zuckerbrot, Nutrition & Supplements
Celebrity dietitian and motivational life coach Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of www.ffactordiet.com and founder of www.skinnyandthecity.com, has helped thousands of people lose weight and keep it off with her program. Her philosophy? Tanya believes you should never sacrifice taste, even when you're eating healthy foods. Send us an email to reciperehab [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com to submit a recipe for a makeover!
One of my favorite desserts is fruit crisps, especially during the summer months. I love going to the farmers market, where the freshest seasonal fruits are at their peak. Fruit crisps usually contain a variety of fruits blending sweet and tart flavors. Unfortunately most crisps usually contain close to 400 calories and well over 10 grams of fat, so although it's my favorite dessert, it's an infrequent indulgence.
I was determined to create a healthy alternative. It tastes decadent, but is surprisingly low in calories and fat. Plus, it packs a nutrition punch: Blueberries contain the highest amounts of antioxidants of any food, which has been shown to help fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases. They also contain high amounts of vitamin E and C. In a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition, vitamin C was associated with fewer wrinkles, which are frequently caused by soaking up too much summer sun. This recipe can be used with both fresh or frozen fruits,making this summer time favorite a year-long one!
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| Recipe may vary from photograph. Photo: Mark Thomas, jupiterimage |
One of my favorite desserts is fruit crisps, especially during the summer months. I love going to the farmers market, where the freshest seasonal fruits are at their peak. Fruit crisps usually contain a variety of fruits blending sweet and tart flavors. Unfortunately most crisps usually contain close to 400 calories and well over 10 grams of fat, so although it's my favorite dessert, it's an infrequent indulgence.
I was determined to create a healthy alternative. It tastes decadent, but is surprisingly low in calories and fat. Plus, it packs a nutrition punch: Blueberries contain the highest amounts of antioxidants of any food, which has been shown to help fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases. They also contain high amounts of vitamin E and C. In a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition, vitamin C was associated with fewer wrinkles, which are frequently caused by soaking up too much summer sun. This recipe can be used with both fresh or frozen fruits,making this summer time favorite a year-long one!
Find Your Next Workout at the Beach
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| Photo: mikebaird/Flickr |
You can break a sweat the usual ways: Running -- on the sand, of course, for strong and sexy legs, biking (on a trail) and swimming. Or, you can kick things up a notch with one of these fun-in-the-sun activities, which are sure to leave you huffing and puffing and wishing summer would never end.
- Paddleball: Kristen tells us the set costs about $5, so it won't break your vacation budget. It's the perfect workout for competitive couples or friends who are looking to get off their beach blankets for a while.
- Use Your Environment: There's no reason to spend a beautiful summer day inside a gym when everything you need is at the beach. Long Beach personal trainer Justin Rudd shows you how to use benches, trees and even dunes to round out your workout routine.
- Check out the rentals: What's for rent at your local beach? Paddle boats, surf board, skim boards? Chances are it's something designed to get you up and moving.
- Get in the water: Yes, I know the water is cold. And you just applied your sunscreen. And your hair looks terrible wet. But still, swimming is great exercise, and body surfing those waves is so much fun, you'll find yourself going back for more.
- Yoga: Hit the beach in the early mornings or at sunset to beat the crowds and to make the most of the soothing and sensual natural surroundings.
Finally, however you decide to enjoy your trip to the beach -- don't forget your sunscreen!
What's your favorite beach workout?
Belly Fat, Short Shorts and Starbucks - Week in Review - June 8 to June 14
It's almost blueberry season, and Jonny's got another reason to enjoy this sweet summer treat: Blueberries just might help banish belly fat.Maggie tells us about an emulsion could be added to foods that helps people lose weight. Should our focus be on making processed foods less fattening, or teaching people to eat a healthier diet. What do you think?
Need some motivation to keep that fitness plan rolling along? Laura's got five good reasons to always be fit.
Think that workout gives you a free pass to eat anything? Think again. Ashley tells us that that post-workout after burn effect is a myth.
After all that hard work you've been doing, you deserve to show off those fit and sexy legs. Put yourself in a great pair of shorts with some advice from Kristen.
Here's a simple step for staying slim this summer: Cut the condiments.
Attention frappuchino lovers: Starbucks is taking a small step towards a healthier coffee break in their Dallas stores.
"Wipeout" host Jill Wagner opens up about her own journey to fitness in an interview with Fitz and why she's yet to try out the "Wipeout" course herself.
Karla's starting Weight Watchers with one goal in mind: Not quitting. If you've ever yo-yoed, you know exactly what she's talking about. We're behind you all the way, Karla!
DNF - all you racers out there know what it means. Would you rather finish a race with a bad time, or get that mark that means "did not finish?"
Healthy Side Dishes for Your Next BBQ
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Nothing says summer like a backyard barbecue. And nothing says summer weight gain like heavy potato salads, chips and dip and sugar-rich desserts. In fact, that plate full of food can set you back up to 2,000 calories.Whether you're hostessing and want to serve up healthy sides to your guests or are bringing a dish so you know there's something you can enjoy without all the extra fat and calories, here are delicious and nutritious tips for your next BBQ:
- Use whole wheat pasta in your pasta salad and go heavy on the vegetables, light on the dressing.
- Grill angel food cake and serve up with fresh strawberries and low-cal whipped topping.
- Roll your corn on the cob in mixed herbs or with a dash of lime sauce, rather than butter.
- Go ahead and serve those baked beans, just skip the meat and add some extra vegetables. Or better yet, try a bean salad instead.
- Skip the dip and serve up fresh, crunchy veggies with salsa or hummus.
It's BBQ season, so if you're looking for more tips on how to make your grilling habits healthier, check out our posts on creative cookouts, grilling fruits and vegetables and good for you BBQs.
Summer Workout Ideas - This Week on AOL Health

It's time for picnics and barbecues, but it's also a great time of year to get out and be active. With AOL Health's "Best Summer Workouts" guide, you'll get tips for the perfect food and fitness pairings, so you can indulge in your favorite summer treats, guilt-free! One smart summer move? Beach volleyball. Just 45 minutes of sand play can blast away a single serving of regular ice cream.
Grill Yourself to Great Nutrition
Grilling is a summertime treat -- and a great way to get out of cooking in that hot kitchen. Before you pull out that package of hot dogs, though, consider that your grill is the perfect place to cook fruits and veggies, too. Getting in your five to nine servings a day has never tasted so good!- Firm vegetables like corn, peppers, eggplant and onions can be cooked directly on the grill. Baste them in your favorite marinade for extra flavor, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Some veggies are perfect for steaming. Make a pocket out of tinfoil, put in carrots, zucchini and potatoes, then add seasoning and a small amount of water. Put the entire package on the grill and heat.
- Bite-sized veggies, like mushrooms, grill up great on a skewer or in a grill basket.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with grilled fruit. Brush fruits like apples and peaches with a small amount of oil and sprinkle with cinnamon, or serve grilled bananas with a scoop of low-fat yogurt.
Serve up great nutrition this summer by putting fruits and veggies on your grill -- indoor or outdoor. Check out Maggie's post on creative grilling for more healthy and delicious ideas.
Get Fit at the Pool
Summer may not officially be here yet, but it certainly feels like it. Long, sunny days can motivate you to visit a local park, work in the garden or invite family and friends over for a cookout. But don't let the change in season change your fitness schedule.
You might think people get more exercise during summer, but that's not always the case. For some, summer is a fitness slow down. "Everybody wants to be out in the weather and they don't want to be inside like they were all winter," explains Benji Radach, corporate trainer for L.A. Boxing. Even if your gym routine has gone to the wayside, summer opens up a whole new world of fitness opportunities.
While it's important to maintain a consistent exercise routine, you can also slip some additional fitness moves in while enjoying favorite summer activities. Try these poolside exercise tips from the fitness gurus at L.A. Boxing:
Trigger Foods, Soft Drinks and Diet Detectives - Week in Review - May 25 to May 31
Sure, everyone deserves a treat now and then. But if you have trouble controlling yourself around a sugary or salty food, it's probably your trigger food and best to avoid most of the time.Laughter is the best medicine, and it can even help you stay fit, says Laura. Got any good jokes for us?
One more reason not to drink soda: It can lead to muscle damage. Drink water instead, says Bev.
If you're on and off the weight loss wagon, then do yourself a favor and read Jonny's fantastic post on staying in the game. You can't win if you don't keep playing.
It's like "What Not to Wear" for overeaters. Diet Detective Charles Stuart Platkin teaches people easy ways to eat right and exercise in a new show called "I Want to Save Your Life."
Think you're ready for summer? Stay safe and fit in the hot weather with Fitz's list of summer essentials.
Tired of saddlebags or flabby thighs? Fitz has the solution for you: Exercuffs.
After the loss of her husband, Rosie Swale Pope went for a little run ... around the world. "I've learned not to fear things the way I used to. I no longer worry about how tall I am or how old I am. I've learned to celebrate life - and to live it to the full," she says.
If you've ever had your weight yo-yo, then you know the pain of regaining lost weight. Tune in to Bob Greene on a new special called "I'm Fat Again" to follow three weight loss journeys.
Finally, if you're looking for a way to make your workouts more interesting, consider a time machine. Retro workouts are all the rage.
Sunscreen Guide - Beat the Burn - This Week on AOL Health

The number-one summer essential you shouldn't live without? Sunscreen. [OK, you should slather it on all year.] From swimming outside, running on the beach, hiking and more -- your skin gets more than enough exposure. But do you know the best way to protect it? Check out AOL Health's sunscreen guide and our reader-reviewed photo gallery of which sunblocks to buy and which to ditch. Plus, That's Fit blogger Kristen Seymour dispels myths about SPF and Vitamin D. Enjoy the warm, sunny weather -- and be safe!
Beat the Heat with 11 Summer Essentials
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor sports and fitness activities. Beaches, pools, lakes and riding trails all set a brilliant scene for fun in the sun. All of this summer sport does come with a handful of hazards though, so it's time to gather some essentials and make the best out of the months ahead.
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Sunblock: Plan to wear it all the time, so you can worship without paying the price. For active days, wear at least 15+ UVA/UVB waterproof protection.
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Hat: You work so hard to keep a healthy and youthful body, don't let your face grow old before you do. A visor is great for sports, and a big floppy straw hat works wonderfully for strolling on the beach.
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Swimsuit: Take advantage of the warm water while you can. Swim, surf, ski and spend as much active time in the water as you can. It's so much fun, you'll forget you're burning tons of calories.
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Aqua Shoes: They'll protect your feet from icky things on the ocean floor, hot sand at the beach and will keep you running blister-free in the pool.
Summer is the Season for Slimming
It's good timing that bikini season falls during summer, because it's the best time for slimming down. The warm weather means outdoor exercise opportunities are abundant, fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful, and with kids out of school, family fitness kicks into full swing.
Summer is the ideal time to lose weight and keep it off, says Lynn Goldstein of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. And as Memorial Day comes to a close and we embark on the unofficial start of summer, it seems appropriate to start brainstorming strategies for trimming down and tightening up during the next few months. Here are a few:
What are your plans for getting fit this summer?
Summer is the ideal time to lose weight and keep it off, says Lynn Goldstein of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. And as Memorial Day comes to a close and we embark on the unofficial start of summer, it seems appropriate to start brainstorming strategies for trimming down and tightening up during the next few months. Here are a few:
- Satisfy a sweet tooth with fresh fruit instead of cakes, cookies and ice cream, says Goldstein. Fabulous Foods offers tips for selecting the best summer fruits.
- Summer is perfect for salads, and Prevention magazine names 25 low-cal ideas for mixing up greens and other mouthwatering ingredients.
- Grilling is great this time of year, and AOL Health helps you make sure your meats are safe and healthy.
- Exercise at the beach. Practice yoga on the sand, says Women's Health magazine, because the uneven surface will really work your muscles. The sand is also great for power walks, jogs and family football games.
- Torch some calories in the pool while your kids splash around. Fitz has the perfect water workout.
- Tennis is a super summer sport. Just understanding the game might help you lose weight too, says Jonny.
What are your plans for getting fit this summer?
































