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7 healthy summer activities to enjoy year-round

U.S. News & World Report

September 12, 2017, 8:00 PM

Using propane instead of charcoal might save you money on your grilling this summer. (Thinkstock)(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho. It’s after Labor Day so back to school and work we go.

But that doesn’t mean you have to leave summer fun behind. Who says you can’t still enjoy some of what makes summer so wonderful even when it gets cooler?

Here are seven healthy summer activities worth doing year-round.

1. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. There are many fall fruits and veggies to get equally excited about. Hello, apples, pears, figs, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, just to name a few! (Thinkstock) [See: 6 Fruits and Vegetables You Should Eat This Fall.] 
Millions of Americans drink water that doesn't meet federal standards. (Thinkstock)
2. Stay hydrated. We typically hear more about hydration when temperatures rise. But it’s just as important when they drop. Dehydration may make you feel sluggish, cause a headache and even make you think you are hungry when you aren’t. Drinking plenty of water or other low-calorie fluids should be a habit year-round, especially if you want your skin looking its best. (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
3. Get outdoors and move. You may swim, kayak and paddleboard less in the fall, but there’s so much more to do outside that doesn’t involve water. Hiking, walking, running and bike riding can actually be more enjoyable in the fall when the temperatures are a little lower. Of course, if your movement of choice is indoors (say, yoga or spinning), the temperature shouldn’t matter at all. Bottom line: There’s no good reason to become a couch potato yet. (Thinkstock)
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grillveggies.jpg
4. Keep grilling. Some people grill year-round (even when they live in parts of the country that get cold), while others close up the barbecue the moment Labor Day hits. I probably fall somewhere in between. If grilling helps you use less added fat or eat more veggies, fish and poultry, why stop? You can always bring your “grill” inside by investing in a grill pan, heating up your broiler and getting creative with seasonings. You might not even miss the outdoors. (Thinkstock) [See: 8 Unusual Grilling Ideas, from Chickpeas to Grilled Lemonade.] (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Getty Images/iStockphoto
fresh shrimps served with onion and lime
5. Go clamming. Don’t literally go clamming (unless that’s a valid option for you, of course), but continue eating lots of shellfish. Lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams and steamers are summer favorites for good reason: Not only delicious, but all shellfish are also relatively low in calories and fat, and high in protein. Of course, if you are drowning that lobster in butter or mayo, you might defeat the purpose. Try dressing shellfish up with spices or a fresh lemon squirt instead. (Thinkstock)
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A bowling ball just about to hit the pins.
6. Be social. Many have busier social calendars in the summer, thanks to longer days, lighter work schedules and plenty of cookouts. On one hand, this can be great; research shows that good relationships with family and friends is critical for our health and well-being. Strong relationships even correlate with better immunity and a longer lifespan. However, if summer socializing always revolves around eating and drinking, your waistline can suffer. This fall, find other ways to be social. Bowling anyone? (Thinkstock) [See: 13 Fun Sports That Burn Calories.] (Getty Images/iStockphoto/quackersnaps)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/quackersnaps
7. Wear white. If wearing white makes you happy, keep your white clothes in your fall rotation, too. Dressing for the feeling you want — be it happiness, confidence or playfulness — can bring it on. (Thinkstock)
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Millions of Americans drink water that doesn't meet federal standards. (Thinkstock)
grillveggies.jpg
fresh shrimps served with onion and lime
A bowling ball just about to hit the pins.

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7 Healthy Summer Activities to Enjoy Year-Round originally appeared on usnews.com

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