Quick and Easy Marinades for That Upcoming Barbecue

Every barbecue enthusiast knows that the marinade is key when it comes to adding flavor to your meats, but there are a whole lot more options than just the usual barbecue sauce to choose from. From sweet to tangy to spicy, these grill-ready marinades can take foods from bland to mouthwatering in just a few minutes flat. And best of all? They don’t have to sit in the refrigerator all night, so they’re perfect for the last-minute home chef!

Greek Marinade [greek.food.com]
Olive oil and lemon juice impart a bright, zesty flavor to foods like chicken and fish, while a bounty of fresh herbs and spices will make you feel like you hopped a plane to the shores of Greece. Pour this perfect marinade over your meats and pop them into the fridge for an hour before grilling.

Maple Grilled Salmon Glaze [myrecipes.com]
Take salmon to the next level with this sweet and smoky glaze that you can brush on the fish — or even on a juicy pork chop — right as it’s cooking. Garnish with orange slices to bring out even more sweet, citrus-y flavor.

Barbecue Sauce [marthastewart.com]
Although there are limitless options for marinades, sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good old-fashioned barbecue sauce. This simple, straightforward recipe takes just 30 minutes to make, and it can be used on everything from ribs to chicken at your next cookout.

How to Ease the Itch of Bug Bites and Poison Ivy

Bug bites and poison ivy are inevitable in the summertime, but that doesn’t mean that you have to itch and scratch your way through the season. If you’re looking for a way to ease the irritation of these common warm weather ailments, these all-natural home remedies can help.

  • Ice cubes. Simple, quick, and gratifying, the common ice cube is one of the most effective ways to relieve the itch of bug bites. Just wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and hold it on the bite for a few minutes to induce numbing.
  • Tea bags. Press a wet tea bag on a bug bite to draw out toxins and minimize itching through the tea’s natural astringent.
  • Baking soda paste. For bug bites and poison ivy alike, creating a paste of baking soda and water will neutralize the pH and relieve itching.
  • Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar also neutralizes the pH in your skin, so swabbing some on poison ivy or insect bites will quickly alleviate the itch.
  • Soap and water. If you’re fortunate enough to catch poison ivy as soon as you touch it, immediately wash the affected area with lukewarm, soapy water to rinse off some of the oil.
  • Oatmeal baths. If the damage is already done and you have itchy poison ivy, take oatmeal baths in cool or lukewarm water to relieve itching.

DIY: 7 Best Natural Mosquito Bite Remedies [Gardenista]
Poison ivy: Tips for treating and preventing [American Academy of Dermatology]
9 Genius Ways To Relieve Bug Bites [Women’s Health Magazine]

How to Safely Exercise Outdoors During the Summer

Even if you’re a very fit person, exercising outdoors in hot summer weather can be dangerous. Unless you take the necessary precautions, the heat and humidity can cause dehydration, dizziness, and exhaustion. Here are a few smart tips to help you exercise safely outside all summer long.

  • Stay hydrated. This one may seem obvious, but dehydration is the leading cause of illness and injury during hot weather exercise. Be sure to drink a lot of water not only during and after exercise, but also beforehand to fuel your body for your workout.
  • Choose smart times. Because the sun is lower (and so is the temperature) during the morning and evening, these are the smartest times to exercise outdoors.
  • Wear the right clothes. While you might wear sweatpants to exercise outdoors in the fall, you should invest in something lightweight and absorbent in the summer. Try synthetic fabrics like Spandex and Lycra, as these wick away moisture.
  • Listen to your body. Even if you’ve only been running for 10 minutes, that might be too much for your body in the dog days of summer. If you start to feel lightheaded and dizzy while exercising, make sure that you stop or slow down, no matter how long it’s been.

5 Ways to Exercise Safely in the Heat [U.S. News]
8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat [Active]
Essential Tips for Outdoor Exercise [Arm & Hammer]

Summer is Finally Here!

It's official, Summer is finally here! What is your favorite summer activity? Do you have anything special planned for Summer vacation?

Exercising Outdoors? Here’s How to Beat the Heat

Once summer comes back around and each day seems hotter than the last, it can be difficult to find the motivation to work out outside. If you want to maintain your pre-summer running regimen without risking a heat stroke, there are a few things that you can do to stay cool and comfortable. Here are three tips to help you beat the heat.

  1. Choose the right time of day. Though every summer day is hot, certain times of day are much hotter than others—and potentially hazardous to your health. Opt to work out in the early mornings or after the sun goes down to steer clear of those harmful UV rays.
  2. Wear loose clothing. Loose, breathable fabrics can make all the difference when it comes to staying cool during a workout. Choose natural fabrics or running clothes specifically designed to wick away moisture.
  3. Stay hydrated. Sure, you may chug a bottle of water after your daily run, but that’s not enough on a very hot day. Drink a glass of water before embarking on your workout, and be sure to carry a bottle with you as you go. Take a drink every 15 minutes throughout your workout, even if you’re not thirsty, to prevent against dehydration.

8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat [Active]
Top 5 Tips to Staying Cool During Your Summer Workout [American Heart Association]
Heat and Exercise: Keeping Cool in Hot Weather [Mayo Clinic]
Hot Tips for Summertime Fitness [Northwestern Medicine]

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