During the lazy days of summer, no one wants to go to the gym, but luckily, you can get outdoors and have a great time staying healthy. Here are five fun ways to make your weekend a bit healthier. 1. Go for a bike ride. Getting on a bike is a great way to explore new trails or back roads with your family. And cycling—even at a slow to moderate pace—can burn upwards of 400 calories an hour. 2. Make a meal using only foods that come from your (or someone else’s) garden. Whether you just step out to your backyard or you head to a pick-your-own farm, the food will taste better when you’ve harvested it yourself. Mix up a salad with juicy tomatoes and fresh lettuce, then throw garden peppers and potatoes on the grill for a great healthy dinner. 3. Get in the lake. It’s the long weekend, so many of us are cottage- or beach-bound, but we often spend our time by the lake being lazy. Challenge yourself to get off the dock or beach towel and actually get in the lake. Whether you rent a canoe, go for a swim or just play with the kids, you’ll be sure to burn some calories and have an enjoyable afternoon. 4. Try a new food at the farmer’s market. We all get stuck in the habit of buying the same fruits and vegetables each week. This weekend, try something a bit different at your farmer’s market. Instead of blueberries, buy Saskatoon berries. Instead of potatoes, try beets. Your body will get new phytonutrients it usually doesn't get, and you might just find a new favourite food! 5. Schedule an hour of quiet time. We can all benefit from sitting peacefully and letting our minds wander every now and then. Research shows that you aren’t really being idle when you’re relaxing; your brain is still working away and needs that time to replenish your attention, motivation and creativity. And if you use that time to meditate, you could see some heart-protective benefits too. One study showed that people who meditated 20 minutes a day saw a decrease in plaque on their artery walls. Find more fun things to do outdoors. (Photography: Thinkstock)