In the Summertime…
Summer is here and it’s time to make the most of the weekends and the long, sunny days. It’s also the perfect time to look after you gut health while having some fun.
Here at Love Your Gut, we have been chatting about our favourite summer gut-friendly activities. To inspire you, we have compiled a list of top 10 activities to help you get outside and soak up the summer atmosphere.
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Homemade ice lollies
When it gets sweltering, cool down with a homemade ice lolly and boost your plant point intake at the same time. You can make them from fruit, purées, juices or yoghurt for a refreshing, fruity treat!
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Go to a festival
Heading to a festival? Plan ahead to keep your experience as exciting and gut friendly as possible. Stay hydrated, ‘eat the rainbow’ and don’t forget your sleep kit: eye mask, ear plugs, comfy bed clothes and a pillow to turn your tent a sleepy paradise.
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Take a Pizza to the Park
Slip onyour oven gloves and create your own tasty pizza. You could even try a different base – such as our Socca pizza with prosciutto, broccoli and mozzarella balls . The chickpea flour base is packed with dietary fibre and galacto-oligosaccharides, which provide food for beneficial microorganisms in the gut to feed on. Once cooked, pack it up and go to the park for an alfresco meal!
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Plant some fruit or veg
Make the most of the warm weather and spend some time outside. If you have a family encourage them to grow their own fruits and vegetables such as courgettes, beans, tomatoes, and salad leaves. Then enjoy the fruits of their labour when they harvest the crops!
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Have a water fight
Get competitive with a water fight! Whether it is balloons full of water or a water soaker, it’s a fun way to achieve your exercise goals without even thinking about it. It also has the added benefit of getting a smile on your face and lightening your mood.
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Bake a treat to share
Set yourself a baking project. Try a gut friendly bake such as our gluten free Raspberry and lime yoghurt cake . Cut into slices and share the love. Not only is baking a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening, but it’s also a great excuse to gather friends or family.
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Have a BBQ
Relax at your own BBQ with family and friends. Take the opportunity to try some alternatives to meat such as marinated tofu, grilled colourful vegetables like corn on the cob, peppers and onions. Finally, finish off with a platter of all your fruity favourites. Not only will it be a feast for your eyes these fibre rich foods will help diversify your gut microbiome.
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Family film night
A night in with the family can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Make it extra special by laying out a picnic blanket and gathering together some treats including dark chocolate and summer fruits.
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Get folding with Origami
Try the art of origami. It’s a relaxing activity that brings the generations together. It can help reduce stress, boost creativity and improve hand-eye coordination! There are lots of tutorials online that will show you how to create everything from a crane to a butterfly and a dog. Sit outside and let your creativity flow!
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Whizz up a smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to cool down over the summer. Whizz one up in your blender and keep everyone hydrated. You can use berries, watermelon or any of your favourite fruits. Try our Pineapple, banana and orange smoothie for a taste of summer in a glass!
Whatever you decide to do, don’t waste a minute – enjoy every moment and make this summer one to remember!