Casting Director Renee Godbout gives you easy ways to beat those lazy summer days

Diet and exercise are important. Sound familiar? You may be thinking you’ve heard this all before. That’s true, but in the summer it can be more difficult to motivate yourself to go running in 90 degree heat or visit the gym where the air conditioning system may not be up to par. And who spends the day at the beach without a bag of munchies?

Here are a few tips to keep yourself healthy without the pain:

1. Eat several small meals a day instead of 3 large ones. It’s healthier for you and will keep you from snacking too much in-between meals. If you’re going to spend the day at the beach, have some low-sugar cereal in the morning, then toss together a bag of healthy snacks like sliced veggies, half a tuna fish sandwich, and bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Now you can have the munchies you’ve been craving without overdoing it.

2. Swim. If motivating yourself to go to the gym in the heat is difficult, try swimming laps at a nearby pool. It’s wonderful exercise and keeps the heat away. Don’t know how to swim? It’s never too late to learn, and swimming lessons are a great way to stay motivated and get exercise all at once! For those of you who live near beaches, take advantage of their volleyball courts then cool off with a dip in the water.

3. Switch to frozen yogurt. Nothing tastes so good on a hot day than something cold to eat. Forget the Good Humor truck and try some yummy frozen yogurt instead! You’d also be surprised at the low-fat and low-sugar alternatives you can find in your local supermarket.

4. Use sun block. Casting directors aren’t looking to cast someone who is going to need an expert make-up artist cover up their sun spots every day. Be especially careful not to burn if you have fair skin and an audition the next day. Not only will it tarnish your skin but you might not look too comfortable when the scene involves a slap on your sunburned back.

5. Be active! This especially applies to college students who have the summer off. Relax, but don’t spend the whole summer in front of the television. Go to the beach, take a hike, play tennis, learn a new sport, or get involved in a local play. Stay active and that’ll keep those summer pounds at bay!

Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.

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