Healthy Meetings

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Summer is in full swing and frankly, it’s HOT as you know what! So how do you keep your attendees engaged, your clients hydrated and yourself cool? Here are a few tips to beat the summer heat and keep your attendees focused.

1. Drink your weight in H2O! OK, not your actual weight, but you should drink eight 8OZ (1 cup) servings of water each day, If you are nursing or pregnant, more water is needed, about 10 – 12 cups. If you feel thirsty then guess what, you’re already dehydrated. Try to drink one cup of water for every hour you are at work, then voila, you are all set for the day! Want some flavor? Green Tea is a wonderful cooling agent and anti-oxidant. Set it out for your luncheons and breaks in place of sodas; maybe do a flavored tea station: green, mango, sweet – the possibilities are endless!

2. Ditch the salty and fried foods. Salt is the worst when it comes to staying cool in the summer. It is a severe diuretic and can suck your body dry of essential liquids. Fried foods also are a no no in the summer sun as they are often way too heavy and can create an unmotivated lethargic mood in your attendees. Opt for lightly salted and non fried alternatives; you can even ask the chef to ease up on the salt (then stand back) and pick options without a girdle of fried crust!

3. Cool the body with melons, specifically watermelon, known as the "White Tiger" of fruit as it clears the body of heat. For an afternoon break, in place of those cookies and brownies we all love, order up some fresh melons, strawberries, blueberries and if you must have carbs, got with the granola bars vs the sweets.

4. Eat less. I’m not saying starve yourself, I’m saying eat as much as you normally would, but eat the foods that are less taxing on your digestive system. A big steak luncheon or dinner in the summer is not a great idea. Replace that digestive nightmare with a fresh white fish or a 3 oz. grilled chicken breast spread over a bed of summer greens. Lighter is less, so eat less!

5. Relax and enjoy! Summer is short here in the DC Metro area, so live it up and be smart about it!  Use SPF 25 or higher, keep a bottle of water with you always, wear lighter clothing and hats, stay in the shade when possible and drink your adult beverages responsibly. Alcohol is also another summer burn out, so take it easy in the heat!

Thanks for reading. Talk at you next issue!

Michelle Marie Adams, CMP, RYT200
Regional Director of Sales, Prestige Resorts & Destinations
Registered Yoga Teacher, 200 Hours