Taking your workout outdoors this summer? Staying hydrated and maintaining your body’s electrolytes and salts is crucial, especially during hot weather. Keep these tips in mind before breaking a sweat this season!

• Running at the right hour of the day is important. You want to avoid exercising outside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. because the sun is strongest then.
• Wear light colors to reflect the sun and opt for cotton or other lighweight, sweat-wicking fabrics. Also be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF.
• You want to drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 15 minutes, even when you’re not thirsty. Continue to drink water before and after your workout.
• Refrain from drinking hot coffee before your workout. It can leave you dehydrated and can prevent your body from cooling down effectively.
• Eat a snack with protein and carbohydrates 30 minutes after your workout.

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]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Omar Bariffi

BonChon regulars all agree that the chicken is so good, you want to eat it fast. However, if you have any experience eating chicken wings, you know that it’s not the easiest food to eat, so be prepared to get a little messy in the name of delicious Korean cuisine. The owner named his restaurant BonChon because it means “hometown” in Korean, which perfectly suited his desire to bring his favorite fried chicken from Korea to the United States.

The wings, drumsticks and strips are made fresh with only the highest quality meat, so you get tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken every time you order. The soy garlic and hot sauces may be the only two sauces that BonChon offers, but they’re the only two you’ll need. This chicken is incredibly flavorful and just spicy enough, and it’s perfectly complemented by sides like crispy French fries, edamame, kimchee and fried rice. If fried chicken isn’t your thing, BonChon also serves Korean dishes like bibimbob, bull dak, and japchae to give you a real taste of the traditional cuisine.

BonChon
3419 Plum Tree Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 465-0515
www.bonchon.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bonchon-ellicott-city

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/cumi&ciki

If you’re searching for a new date-night spot, try Sushi Sono located on the lake with sprawling lakeside views. You’ll be welcomed by authentic Japanese decor and waitresses wearing traditional kimonos to immerse you in the Japanese culture while you dine.

Making a decision is always tricky, as their menu is extensive. Local favorites for appetizers are the wonderfully crunchy and flaky veggie tempura, or the rich, perfectly seasoned beef teriyaki. According to reviews, they have some of the best sashimi and creative special rolls around, so you’ll want to pick a few to share. One of the most popular rolls is the bridal veil roll, which is made of spicy lobster salad and tempura flakes for a little crunch and topped with tuna. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, don’t worry as there are dozens of options to choose from.

If you’re not in a sushi mood, they also cook up a variety of tempura, nabe mono and teriyaki dishes served aside a salad and rice for a great meal combo. Don’t forget to try the green tea tempura ice cream!

Sushi Sono
10215 Wincopin Circle
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 997-6131
www.sushisonocolumbia.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-sono-japanese-restaurant-columbia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Ronald (Ron) Douglas Frazier