KEEPING MONACO HEALTHY
TOP TIPS FOR SUMMER HEALTH
Don ’ t you just love summer ? Outdoor living strengthens our connection to nature and exposes us to sunlight — two things that are scientifically proven to help us feel happier . Here are some of my golden rules to help you have the best summer yet .
© depositphotos . com
Susan Tomassini
HelloMonaco is pleased to introduce Susan Tomassini , a licensed nutritionist and co-owner of The Clever Kitchen and Foodwise in Monaco . She contributes a column on healthy lifestyle to give our readers important information on eating well , staying healthy and finding balance in our often-hectic lives . Susan spent over 20 years as a model in Milan and after having children , devoted her life to studying health and nutrition . Her website , Foodwise ( www . foodwise . life ), offers practical nutrition and lifestyle advice . Through Monaco-based The Clever Kitchen ( www . thecleverkitchen . com ), Susan offers nutrition workshops with inspirational and realistic ways to stay healthy , featuring healthy recipes based on fresh , seasonal produce and nutrient-dense Superfoods .
HYDRATE
Isn ’ t it great how nature provides us with what we need , just when we need it ? Now that it ’ s time to make sure we stay hydrated , the market stalls are bursting with the plump , juicy fruits of summer . Dehydration is a real health hazard during the warmer months , especially for those who tend to lose body fluids quicker — children , older adults and endurance athletes . Staying hydrated is a fundamental part of any summer activity , whether it ’ s a strenuous workout , long jog , beach volleyball game , or brisk walk along the coast . Even if you ’ re just sitting in the car on a long , hot car ride , you ’ re still sweating more , so it ’ s easy to fall behind on your water intake .
“ Eat ” water
© depositphotos . com
Fortunately , since many summer fruits and vegetables are over ninety percent water , we don ’ t have to drink it all — we can “ eat ” some of it too . Cucumbers , strawberries , melons , peaches , cherries , apricots , salad greens , courgettes , radishes , celery , tomatoes , aubergines , peppers and spinach all contribute considerably to our fluid intake , helping us avoid the headaches , poor concentration and sluggishness that are typical signs of dehydration .
And did you know that reaching for a piece of cucumber or watermelon after a workout can replenish your body twice as effectively as a glass of water or a sports drink ? That ’ s because fruits and veggies provide us with natural sugars , amino acids and electrolytes that are lost in exercise , boosting the body ’ s absorption of fluids and preventing muscle cramps — without any of the artificial chemicals commonly found in sports drinks .
Smoothies
Most people find that they naturally gravitate towards cool , refreshing , hydrating produce to replenish and quench the summer heat . One of the big advantages of eating
138 / Hello Monaco Summer — Autumn 2022 www . hellomonaco . com