How do you stay active during the summer?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: it’s summertime, what do you mean “stay active”? You’re outside constantly- going to the beach, gardening, enjoying the sunshine…

That’s a valid point. So maybe I should rephrase the question: How do you stay active during your vacation?

A little bit trickier to answer, right? Because who wants to exercise during their vacation? Well, for me summer and my vacation coincide- since the summer is the only time that I’m not in school. And while it’s definitely beautiful outside for a good portion of the summertime, come July the temperature starts to climb into the 90’s and the humidity reaches horribly high levels. And that’s when I decide to stay inside and avoid exercising the rest of the summertime. After all, it’s my vacation so I shouldn’t have to exercise… right?

Wrong. Because, for me at least, if I don’t get up and workout the first thing in the morning, I most likely won’t be motivated to change out of my pj’s all day! (Don’t tell anyone.) So, this year I decided to set the workout habit early by starting my routine in early June. And let me tell you- it’s actually going really well!

Instead of lying in bed til 9, I’ve been waking up around 6:30-6:45 (naturally, believe it or not), throwing on my sneakers, and going for a run/to the gym! Of course, this means that once I get home I am absolutely ravenous and need food asap before I eat my own hand! Then comes the dilemma: what can I make that’s high in protein and whole-grain, but takes less than 8 minutes to throw together?

The answer is this oatmeal!

This recipe for Blueberry Muffin Oatmeal combines the classic sweet and hearty flavor of a fresh-baked blueberry muffin with the health benefits of oatmeal- such as keeping you full for hours! The protein it contains will repair your muscles after a tough workout and the carbohydrates provided by the whole-grains will replenish your body’s store of glycogen (stored sugars), so that you have energy throughout the rest of your day!

And I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing more rewarding to me than a huge scoop of peanut butter topping your breakfast after a workout. And you know what goes great with peanut butter? This oatmeal.

So yes, staying active during your vacation-time is tough. But if you build a workout routine, reward yourself with yummy food, and reward your body with the nutrients it needs, your fitness journey will be a whole lot easier! 🙂

Blueberry Muffin Oatmeal

• 1/2 c rolled oats
• 1 c water
• 2 tbs unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 banana
• 1/4 c blueberries

If making in the microwave, add oats, water, cinnamon, and vanilla to a large microwave-safe bowl and stir together. Microwave for 4 minutes, or until all the water’s been absorbed. Mix in coconut milk, sliced banana, and blueberries. Enjoy!

If making on the stove, add oats, water, cinnamon, and vanilla to a saucepan and stir together. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until all the water has been absorbed (5-7 minutes). Remove from the heat and add coconut milk, sliced banana, and blueberries. Stir together and scoop into a bowl. Top with additional blueberries, nuts, etc. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

(Yields 1 serving)