5 Tips For a Healthy Memorial Day Weekend Vacation

After months of patiently waiting, it's finally here: the sizzling hot days of summer. With Memorial Day serving as the unofficial start of outdoor celebrations, it’s important to make sure this holiday weekend is as healthy and safe for you and your family as possible. Follow these simple steps to ensure your family stays healthy while traveling this holiday weekend:

Boost Your Vitamin C Intake: Traveling can be stressful and often germy (public bathrooms and crowded airports—ick!), so add some extra vitamin C to your diet two or three days before your trip. It’ll help fight viruses and break down stress hormones. Healthy options to consider include strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and citrus. And don’t forget about taking your Juice Plus+. You may be traveling, but you should never take a vacation from Juice Plus+.

Pack Snacks: Often when traveling, we don't have access to food at regular intervals, or worse, we skip meals to indulge later. To keep your mind and body humming happily, pack healthy travel snacks in a cooler for that long road trip. Light snacks, such as raw vegetables with hummus will curb your appetite and help you fight the temptation to indulge in less nutritious options.

Get In The Water: Whether you’re spending your vacation by the beach, at the pool or near a lake, don’t allow yourself to spend all your time sitting in front of the water. Many water sports, like paddleboats, canoeing, inner tubing and even swimming are great workouts that burn calories and engage your muscles. So jump in!

Take Care Of Your Skin: Did you know the pigments in certain brightly colored fruits and vegetables can actually protect your skin while you're having fun in the sun? A 2010 study showed that the antioxidant lycopene, found in various red-tinted produce, helps shield cells from DNA damage caused by the sun's UV rays. And a meta-analysis of research revealed that beta-carotene—found in cantaloupe, mangoes, and apricots—can help prevent sunburns. Before heading out on vacation this weekend, start eating warm colors now to get a better protective effect all weekend long.  

Hydrate: Dehydration is a common side effect of vacations, thanks to tropical climates, summer heat, and the sweating that goes with those high temperatures. To refuel on electrolytes drink a bottle of coconut water. Coconut water helps to rehydrate the body just as well as a sports drink, without all the added sugars, preservatives, and artificial colors.

How will you ensure your family stays healthy during the long weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments section.