By Sheri McIntosh, Saturday at 12:25 pm

Usually in the summer we can live a healthier lifestyle. COVOID-19 has made this summer different. Do not let COVOID-19 stop you from taking care of your overall health. You can take precautions to reduce your risk of contracting COVOID-19 and still live healthy.

Most of us have more time available to us now than in the past. We can use that time to create healthy meals. We can experiment with healthy recipes. I used cauliflower rice instead of brown rice in one of my recipes. I am not saying that I will never eat brown rice again; however, I now know I can switch to a healthier option.

This time of the year there are several fruits in season. Instead of eating a surgery dessert, you can eat a peach, nectarine, plum, or watermelon and cantaloupe slices. You can try making different types of salads incorporating fruit.

Since we are limited in the restaurants we can patronize, now is the time to try recipes at home. You can add spices to your meals. I add cumin, allspice, garlic and turmeric to skinless chicken. I add rosemary to my veggie pasta. Not only will the spices give your food extra flavor they also have health benefits. For instance, cumin helps with indigestion, rosemary boosts memory and turmeric helps reduce inflammation.

Now is the time to load up on vegetables. Corn, cucumber, zucchini, eggplant, squash are all in season during the summer. If you can buy local. Search the Internet for recipes that incorporate summer vegetables.

Do not let COVOID-19 make you inactive. Although gyms have reopened in a lot of places, I am not ready to go back yet. I have an elliptical and a bicycle at home that I ride. I also use free weights and go outside to walk. I set fitness goals and track them for the week.

My determination is that on the other side of the COVOID-19 pandemic I will be better than I was before it started. I know it will take effort on my part. I will need to adjust and be flexible. Things are different now; however, each of us have control over our lives to pursue our goals and be our best selves.

Excerpt from:

Have a Healthy Summer | Spiritual and Physical Wellness - ChicagoNow