Hopefully, this summer, the pace of life feels a little lighter, and you and your family are spending more time outside enjoying sunshine, swimming, vacations, and backyard adventures.
For many of us, summer means reaching for sunscreen, bug spray, frozen treats, and quick snacks on a regular basis. While summer is a wonderful time to make memories, it can also be a great opportunity to make a few simple swaps that support your family's overall wellness.
Start with Sunscreen
One of the products many families use daily during the summer months is sunscreen.
Since sunscreen is applied directly to the skin, it is worth taking a few minutes to learn about the ingredients in the products you are using.
A resource I recently discovered is the Yuka app, which has a picture of a carrot as its logo. This free app allows you to scan products and receive information about ingredients found in food and personal care products.
One feature I especially appreciate is the Yuka's co-founder, Julie Chapon, provides a list of highly rated SPF 50 sunscreens along with links to purchase them. Instead of spending hours researching products yourself, the information is already organized in one convenient place.
Another resource many families find helpful is EWG.org, which provides information about ingredients and product safety.
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is simply becoming a more informed shopper and making the best choices you can with the information available.
If choosing a better sunscreen is the only change you make this summer, that is still a win for your family.
Small Changes Add Up
One of the biggest lessons I have learned over the years is that small changes add up. You do not have to overhaul your entire home in one weekend. In fact, I encourage families to take a much gentler approach.
Choose one thing.
Progress Over Perfection
Many everyday products contain ingredients that can be difficult for the body to process over time, especially when exposure happens repeatedly from multiple sources.
Every day, our families are exposed to products through food, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and the environment around us. Small choices can help reduce that burden
Rather than becoming overwhelmed by long ingredient lists or trying to replace everything at once, choose one thing. It’s progress instead of perfection.
For example …
When you finish a bottle of shampoo, look for a cleaner option.
When your sunscreen runs out, try a brand that is better for everyone.
When you need a lotion, use the Yuka app to help you find a new one.
One swap at a time is enough.
The families who experience the most success with low-tox family living are often the ones who take slow, sustainable steps.
Make Your Own Frozen Treats
One of my favorite healthy summer swaps is making homemade popsicles.
Not only are they fun and refreshing, but they also create a wonderful opportunity to involve children in the kitchen.
Kids love helping choose ingredients, blend fruit, pour mixtures into molds, and of course enjoy the finished product.
The best part is. you know exactly what went into them.
Fresh fruit, yogurt, coconut milk, or simple combinations of ingredients can create delicious frozen treats without unnecessary additives, dyes, or natural flavoring.
If making popsicles feels like too much work during a busy week, find a healthier fruit popsicle with real fruit juice. Some options are GoodPop, Yummy Earth, or, The Pop Factory.
Turn Healthy Eating into a Family Activity
Summer is a wonderful time to get children involved in preparing your own food.
As you create your grocery list each week, invite your children to help choose a smoothie or popsicle recipe.
You can search on Pinterest together or even visit a local juice shop for inspiration.
Children often become more interested in trying healthy foods when they help prepare them.
Some simple smoothie ingredients include:
- Fresh berries
- Frozen fruit
- Bananas
- Greek yogurt or choose a non-dairy yogurt
- Spinach
- Avocado
- Unsweetened coconut milk
- Nut butters
Smoothie bowls can be especially fun because children can customize their toppings with fruit, seeds, granola, or coconut flakes. The goal is to use low sugar options and focus on organic whole food ingredients.
The goal is not to create a perfect picture recipe.
The goal is to create positive experiences around healthy food.
Why Homemade Can Be Better
Making your own snacks and treats allows you to control the ingredients.
Many packaged foods contain artificial colors, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners, as well as ingredients that may not support the goals you have for your family's wellness.
When possible, choosing organic whole foods such as fresh fruit, frozen fruit, vegetables, and simple ingredients can help support overall health.
Another benefit is that whole foods naturally provide fiber, which plays an important role in digestive health.
A healthy digestive system helps the body absorb nutrients efficiently and supports many important functions throughout the body.
Save Money While Supporting Wellness
A common misconception is that healthier choices always cost more.
While some specialty products can be expensive, many simple swaps can save money.
For example:
- Homemade popsicles often cost less than individually packaged frozen treats.
- Smoothies made at home are usually less expensive than purchasing them from a store.
- Organic frozen fruit is often budget friendly and available year-round.
- Buying ingredients in larger quantities can reduce overall costs.
Organic frozen fruits are often excellent options because they provide flexibility while helping reduce food waste.
Many families also discover that when they focus on simple ingredients, they naturally spend less money on highly processed convenience foods.
Keep It Simple This Summer
As moms, we often feel pressure to do everything perfectly.
What if you focus on one small improvement at a time this summer?
Maybe that looks like choosing better sunscreen.
Maybe it means making homemade popsicles three times over the summer instead of every time you run out?
Maybe it is introducing more organic fresh fruit into your family's snacks.
Maybe it is downloading the Yuka app and learning something new.
Small choices matter.
And small choices often become lasting habits.
Ready for More Support?
If you are looking for personalized support for your child and family, I would love to help. Book a Discovery Call with me to learn more about my holistic approach to supporting children and their families, or download my free Resource Guide.
Remember, low tox family living does not have to be complicated. One thoughtful choice at a time can help create a healthier summer for the whole family.
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