Summer. Images of pool parties, beach bonfires  and backyard BBQs fill our minds. Combine all that socializing with an increase in thirst from sizzling hot temps and a cool, refreshing beverage is just the ticket. But most summer-themed drinks can wreck havoc on your waistline. Alcoholic beverages such as margaritas, piña coladas and mojitos are high in calories, sugar and alcohol, and even non-alcoholic beverages such as lemonade or virgin daiquiris are high in calories and sugar—which can quickly derail your healthy-eating efforts.

But all hope is not lost. You can still enjoy a refreshing summer drink without packing on the pounds. Here are our tricks and tips to make a delicious, nutritious and refreshing beverage. And if you want to take the healthy route and choose to pass on alcohol, look for the tips to make it a mocktail.
SKINNY COCKTAIL TIPS:    
                                                                                      
Avoid sugary bases for drinks, like simple syrup, added sugar, regular soda or fruit punch. Instead use fresh fruit juice. Try our Pineapple-tini. Combine 2 oz. coconut rum and 2 oz. pineapple juice in a shaker glass. Add a scoop of ice, cover and shake. Strain and pour into a martini glass.

Sparkling water (plain or fruit-flavored) - Watermelon Mint Gin Fizz (serves 4): Combine 4 cups of cubed watermelon, 3 mint leaves and 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into a pitcher and stir in 6 oz. gin and 1 liter of sparkling water. Place 3 cubes of frozen watermelon into each glass and top with the cocktail. Garnish with a mint leaf. (Omit the gin for an alcohol-free version.)
Use fruit puree - Peach Fizz. Blend 2 ripe peaches, 1 ripe mango and 1/2 cup of orange juice. Pour into 8 glasses; top each with 1 shot peach schnapps and 1 shot of sparkling wine (or ditch the alcohol and add orange-flavored sparkling water).

Sparkling wines- Raspberry Orange Sunrise. Blend 1 cup of orange juice and 1 oz. of organic raspberries; pour into 4 champagne glasses and top each with 4 oz. Prosecco or Cava (or sparkling water for alcohol free).

Fruit-filled ice-cubes - Place slices of fruit or whole berries in each opening of an ice cube tray and cover with water. Place in the freezer until frozen. Use in your drink for a pretty presentation.

Fresh herbs- Mint, rosemary and thyme add a big punch of flavor to any drink. Try our Blackberry Mojito. Use the end of a wooden spoon to gently crush together 1 cup of blackberries with 2 mint leaves. Add a shot of rum and top with sparkling water (omit the rum for a mocktail).

Blend it - Blending gives your drink more volume. For a Strawberry Margarita, blend 1 cup of frozen strawberries with one shot of tequila, the juice of 1/2 a lime and a splash of triple sec. The frozen berries takes the place of ice and the longer you blend the more air that gets whipped into the drink, yielding a berry big drink! (Use only juice and fruit for a virgin margarita.)

Use what's in season! Let fresh fruits (berries, peaches, mango, pineapple, watermelon) flavor your drink instead of sugar, as in this summer sangria. In a large pitcher, place 1 pint of organic strawberries, hulled and halved, 2 oranges, halved and sliced into 1/4-inch smiles, 2 fresh peaches, pitted and cut into chunks, and top with 3 bottles of white wine (dry, such as Pino Grigiot) and let sit at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add 1 liter of sparkling water (orange essence) to the pitcher.

Try low-calorie alcohol bases- Shochu (Japenese) and soju (Korean) have only 35 calories per 2-ounce serving (compared to 120 calories for 2 oz. vodka). Try this Rockin' Cosmo: Mix 1 oz. shochu with 1 oz. Chambord, 1 oz. orange juice and the juice of 1/2 a lime. Shake in a martini shaker and pour.

source:http://www.acefitness.org/acefit/healthy-living-article/60/4941/how-to-make-healthier-summer-beverages/

Swollen feet and ankles can be an uncomfortable condition to deal with anytime, and extreme temperatures often make the problem worse.

We received this question from a viewer:

Dear Dr. Manny,
My feet always swell in the summer. What can I do to bring down the swelling?
Thanks,

April
Swelling is the result of fluid buildup in body tissue that is often a normal response to inflammation or injury. The condition, called edema, is most commonly seen in the hands, feet, legs, and ankles.
Some common causes include:

• Sitting
• Allergic reactions
• Pregnancy
• Medications
• Fluid obstruction
• Underlying medical conditions

There are things you can do to help relieve swelling like cutting back on your salt intake because sodium contributes to fluid retention.

You can also try wearing compression stockings to promote circulation and restrict the downward movement of fluids. You should also avoid extreme temperatures or sitting for long periods of time.
Elevating your feet can also help bring down swelling. Put them 12 inches above your heart three to four times a day for 30 minutes at a time until you see some improvement.

You can also massage the swollen part of your body to help move trapped fluid out of the area, and exercise regularly; losing excess weight will help improve your circulation and get things moving.
Talk to your doctor if you continue to experience these symptoms as it may be a sign of a more serious condition.

source:http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/07/08/swollen-feet-in-summer-here-how-to-get-some-relief/

Imagine your life full of energy. You wake up feeling refreshed and rested, instead of sluggish and tired. You fit in more time for friends, family and hobbies, and you allow time for more exercise. You spend your evenings doing more enjoyable things rather than just collapsing in front of the television - exhausted. Make the most of every day, instead of just getting through it, and lose weight more easily and consistently.

Start with the basics

If you want to put a pep in your step, you have to be prepared to take action. It's wake up and shake up time; go on, make yourself some promises. Tell yourself: “this week I promise to”:

• Follow my healthy meal plan
• Eat slowly and truly savour the food I eat
• Drink plenty of water (1-2 litres per day)
• Try new nutritious recipes (new healthy foods can speed up your metabolism)
• Take regular exercise-at least 3 times per week or 30 mins per day

These are the basic and most simple things you can do. They'll make you feel more energetic and more importantly, help you lose weight. Here are some other simple steps you can take to help boost your energy:

• Eat your way to energy: Eating too much and carrying too much weight can slow you down, so start following your meal plan now. If you are already following it, can you further improve your eating habits?
  Replace white fish with oily fish to get those all-important fatty acids. Choose more colourful vegetables for more antioxidants and better nutrition? Make more time to enjoy eating, and savour your food. Experiment with some new recipes and make your weight loss a more enjoyable experience.


• Get moving: An inactive lifestyle causes fatigue, while exercise boosts energy and improves mental activity. Feel good endorphins are produced after just 15 minutes exercise, so go for that 20 minute walk, try out exercises in our fitness section and energise your body.


• Open the windows: A stuffy atmosphere and central heating drain energy levels, so while the weather is warm, get the air circulating at work and at home.


• See the light: Daylight slows your bodies' production of the hormone melatonin, high levels of which make you feel sleepy. Sunshine is also a great way to absorb vitamin D, needed for strong bones. Try get a dose of daylight as often as possible, using sun protection when the sun is strongest.


• Sleep well: Quality sleep is vital for maintaining energy levels. Too much sleep can make you feel lethargic, so try to maintain regular hours. Aim to be as active as possible during the day so you're mentally and physically tired enough to sleep well.


• Be passionate: Developing a new interest or hobby is a great way to boost vitality. So whether it's growing potted plants or learning to speak French, do it with gusto. Go out of your way to learn something new, nothing will keep the brain, the mind and the body better occupied.


• Breathe deeply: Shallow breathing can make you feel tired, whereas deep breathing boosts the oxygen in our bloodstream, giving you an instant boost. Take some deep breaths now, and feel the difference.


• Stop worrying: Fewer things can wear you out faster than stress. Come up with your stress buster plan; whether you listen to music or go for a walk, it's important to deal with it rather than letting it fester. So remember the old clichés: a problem shared is a problem halved, and think positively.
  Learn to be optimistic and you will find that you feel much better, brighter and happier. Use the support groups to share your dieting experiences, good and bad. You will be astounded by the level of support offered by other dieters; you are never alone.


• Take a break: A change of scene can give your energy levels a lift. So even if it is a walk around the block, take that break. You will come back feeling better and will be able to deal with your daily tasks more effectively and positively.

Try these tips and feel the difference.
  
http://www.tescohealthandwellbeing.com/advice/motivation/3464-feel-energised-this-summer