Soak Up the Sun (Smartly) — Healthy Summer Sun Practices
Let’s talk about something that’s free, healing, and absolutely vital to your health: the sun. I know we’ve been taught to fear it—slather on sunscreen, cover up, avoid it at all costs. But as someone who loves food, farming, and feeling alive in my body, I’m here to tell you: The sun is not your enemy—it’s one of your greatest allies.
When we approach sun exposure with intention and wisdom, it can support:
- Vitamin D production (a game-changer for immune health and mood)
- Hormonal balance and mitochondrial function (hello, energy!)
- Nitric oxide release, which boosts circulation and lowers blood pressure
- Happy brain chemicals that help us feel calm, content, and motivated
It’s like nature’s multivitamin—and y’all, it’s meant to be enjoyed.
But how we do it matters. So here’s my summer sun guide—Chef E style—for soaking it up the smart way.
☀️ Start with Morning Light
The earlier the better. That soft, golden light at sunrise? It’s rich in infrared rays that actually help protect your skin from later UV exposure. Just 10–20 minutes of early sun can prep your body for the rest of the day. Plus, it helps set your circadian rhythm (more on that in a second).
😴 Protect Your Sleep = Protect Your Skin
Yep, it’s all connected. Poor sleep means your body has less melatonin—the antioxidant that repairs sun damage. If you stayed up late scrolling or tossing and turning, don’t push for peak sun the next day. Sleep and sun work as a team!
🫐 Eat Your Sunscreen
Bright pigments—think blueberries, carrots, squash, wild salmon—act like internal SPF. They help your body resist UV damage and rebuild your skin from the inside out. And dark chocolate? Yep, that counts too. High five, antioxidants!
Pro tip: That’s why we load our New Leaf Table recipes with colorful veggies and clean proteins—it’s beauty and resilience from your plate.
😎 Your Eyes Know
Ever notice how you don’t squint in gentle sun, but suddenly you just know it’s too much? That’s your body talking. Trust it. When your eyes start straining, it might be time to head for shade.
👒 Use Physical Protection First
Wide-brim hats, breathable clothes, umbrellas—these are your best friends when you’ve hit your sun limit. And yes, you can still make vitamin D in the shade. No shame in smart coverage!
🧴 Choose Mineral Sunscreen
When you’ve had enough direct exposure but want to stay outdoors, opt for zinc oxide-based sunscreens that sit on the skin, not in it. No weird chemicals. Just good, clean protection.
💦 Don’t Forget Electrolytes
Sunshine = sweat = hydration loss. Replenish with a pinch of sea salt in your water or some homemade bone broth (which we love at New Leaf Table!). Hydration isn’t just water—it’s minerals too.
Sunlight Shouldn’t Be Scary
The goal isn’t to avoid the sun—it’s to respect it and receive it wisely. Just like good food, sunlight is a gift from creation meant to energize, heal, and sustain us. The key is balance.
At New Leaf Table, we believe in supporting your whole health—sunshine, sleep, nutrition, and stress relief all play a part. And we’re here to help you make nourishing choices that feel joyful, not complicated.
So go on—step outside today. Breathe deep. Let the sun touch your skin. And then come inside and whip up something colorful, mineral-rich, and soul-feeding.
You were made for this kind of living.
☀️ With love and light,
Chef E
© 2024 New Leaf Table