Top 10 Healthy Living Things to do in Tampa Bay

Top 10 Healthy Living Things to do in Tampa Bay

shutterstock_2724091

I found it is important to make your health a priority. Without health what else really matters? “If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.” –Elbert Hubbard.

#10 Visit Nearby Beaches
We are so lucky that Tampa Bay has picturesque scenery almost 365 days of the year! Most of the beaches are within driving distance and are a perfect place to take a walk or run. Check out these locations: Fort De Soto Park, which was recently named America’s “Best Family Beach” by USA Today, Clearwater Beach, which was named “Best Beach Town” in January 2013 by, USA Today and Caladesi Island State Park which was named “America’s #1 Beach” in 2008 by Dr. Beach.

#9 Take a run on the Fred Marquis Pinellas County Trail

This is 38 miles of paved trail going from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The trail is a wonderful place to go for a sprint or if you are up for it, a marathon.

#8 Play Sports

We have so many places you can go to play a round of golf or a game of tennis. You can also go for a swim. Try out a country club or join an intramural league.

#7 Check out your City Recreation Center

City recreation centers are a great place to help you get healthy this year. Some recreation centers offer free gym memberships to their residents. Most centers have pools and fitness classes and usually the prices are pretty reasonable.

#6 Join a Gym

Gyms and fitness centers are all over. Find the right one that works for you. You can workout just with women or just with men or both. Some provide day care if you have little ones. There are even 24 hour gyms.

#5 Eat at Healthy Restaurants

We are fortunate that restaurants throughout Tampa Bay are popping up serving nutritious menu items. Here are a few to check out including: Rollin Oats Cafe and Market in St. Petersburg, which has been around since 1994. Another on in St. Petersburg is Locale Market, recently opening in St. Petersburg’s Sun Dial with celebrity-chefs Don Pintabona and Michael Mina.

#4 Indulge in Healthy Desserts

I love delicious desserts that won’t put on the pounds. If you are looking for a great dessert place, D’Lites Emporium has awesome ice cream and other wonderful healthy foods. D’Lites ice cream is low in sodium, sugar, fat, and carbohydrates. It is cholesterol free, and a healthier alternative to regular ice cream. There are several locations around Tampa Bay.

#3 Buy from Local Farmers Markets

If you like to cook at home, local farmers markets are fun to visit and offer lots of fruits and vegetables. Juicing and making smoothies from fruits and vegetables is a great way to get vitamins and nutrients in your body. There are several markets around Tampa Bay. Largo offers a local market on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Largo Central Park, located at 101 Central Park, Largo.

#2 Pamper Yourself at a Wellness Center or Spa

It is also important to pamper yourself as a reward for all your hard work! Take advantage of some of the wonderful wellness centers and spas we have in Tampa Bay, including the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. This historic facility has a 50,000 square foot spa and fitness center. It is important to take time and relax. This will also benefit your health.

#1 Relax, Rejuvenate and Revitalize with Nature

Relax, rejuvenate, revitalize and reconnect with Florida’s great outdoors. The sun’s rays are proven to strengthen the immune system. The sun can help us with our mood and improves our cardiovascular system. The sun also eases the healing of swollen joints. What better way for us to top off our list of healthy living than by taking in a little sunshine!

Hopefully you are excited about making 2015 a healthy one!