5 Lifehacks to Get You Ready for Summer

We're seeing more of the sun, flowers are in full bloom, and we can open up the windows and enjoy the season! To fully appreciate the really good stuff about the upcoming summer season, add these five activities to your daily routine and take advantage of your surroundings!

Start the Day Right

Set the tone for the day with a breakfast that is tasty, vitamin-packed, and easy enough that you have no excuses. We won’t preach about the importance of breakfast, since we know you probably aren't even going to sit down for this meal . That's why it's important to have go-to recipes to take the guesswork out of breakfast. Make these Egg White and Spinach Breakfast Biscuits in advance, heat them up in the morning, and breakfast is served!

Another great breakfast option: this green smoothie recipe. It’s great because the ingredients are just an outline— anything can be substituted! Double up on the oranges but skip the apple, change up the berries, replace the greens with celery (but we love the bright green color the spinach gives it)!

Green Smoothie (makes 2 servings)

• 2 cups Vanilla Protein Shake
• 1 handful spinach or kale
• 1 orange
• 1 apple
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup berries (fresh or frozen)

Put all ingredients in a blender, and enjoy!

Sign up for Veggies

While we're on the topic of eating healthy without the hassle, here's our favorite hack: enroll in a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture), and get a box of farm-fresh goodness without having to shop for it. These are popping up all over the country: local farms bringing freshly-picked fruits and vegetables (and often eggs, milk, and meat) straight to its neighbors. If you can't find a local CSA, companies like Misfits Market and the Ugly Box will ship fresh organic produce to your doorstep.

Dig In

This is the year for you to start a garden and grow your dinner. Since our new normal involves limiting trips to the supermarket, what better place to go for produce than your own back yard? Get your hands dirty by digging in the Earth (or some big pots, or a window planter, or whatever your surroundings allow). Herbs, tomatoes, peppers, kale... plant what your heart desires! Added bonus: gardening is proven to reduce stress.

Take Your Workout Outside

Get out of your exercise rut. If the thought of one more YouTube workout video or Zoom yoga class makes you want to scream, you're not alone. Parents are always preaching to their kids about the benefits of getting outside, but the reality is adults should too. Going on a walk or run, or dusting off the bike are obvious choices, but by no means your only options.

Seize the geography.
Find a challenging hiking trail that involves climbing, or rocks for bouldering, or rock climbing. If you're lucky enough to be near an ocean or other body of water, go for an exhilarating swim!

Move your yoga practice to your yard.
There are added mind-body benefits, and grass is the perfect yoga mat.

Make a game of it.
Utilize what you have to set up sports drills. Dust off the tennis racket and use a brick wall as your opponent. Shoot some solo hoops. (0-on-1 means you always win!) Use lawn chairs, tomato stakes, or whatever you find in the garage as cones for soccer dribbling drills. Dabbling in a sport is a good way to get moving without noticing all the work you're doing.

Spring Cleaning

Don't worry, we're not going to launch into a huge to-do list for you-- just a few areas to concentrate on that will make a big difference.

Entry Way Rehab.
A clean entrance sets the tone for the rest of your house. Unfortunately, it's also the place where all the dirt and germs from outside get tracked in. That means it's your first line of defense in keeping the rest of your house clean. Start by getting organized. Pack away any winter stuff still hanging around; coats, scarves, and snow boots should spend the next several months out of sight (can I get an 'AMEN'?). Organize the rest, making sure everything has a place. Take stock of your doormat situation. I recommend the two-mat solution: a heavy one on the outside to stop the majority of the dirt from coming inside, and another inside. Take all mats outside and give them a good shake. They would probably benefit from being hosed off, and left to dry in the sun. While they're drying, give the rest of your entryway, mud room, or foyer a deep clean.

The Fridge and Freezer.
You open it approximately 395 times a day, and it is holding your next meal, but when was the last time you gave it the TLC it sorely needs? Start by emptying the entire refrigerator. As you pull out those things that are so old you don't remember buying them (I'm looking at you, jar of sauerkraut), go ahead and toss those straight into the garbage. Check the expiration date on those condiments and give that old bottle of Ranch the heave-ho too. Once it's all empty, give the whole thing a good scrub. Plan some meals around those forgotten freezer finds. Here's a great stir fry recipe that can be made from pretty much any veggies, fresh or frozen.

Garbage Can Scrub Down.
Oh, the odors your garbage bin has held! Removing the garbage bag isn't enough. Some of those odors and germs get stuck in the can and can leave a lingering smell that seeps out into your kitchen and house. Choose a nice day to take it outside and give it a deep cleaning. Hose it off, then scrub it with a strong all-purpose cleaner. Psst-- your bathroom trash cans can probably use this treatment too. (You be the judge).

What do you hope to accomplish this summer? Share your lifehacks with us @PremierProtein on Instagram.