Sohee’s Summer Favorites

As a fitness educator, business owner, and PhD candidate, my days are typically jam-packed from start to finish. This summer, I’ve been making a conscious effort to slow down, stay balanced, and enjoy some much-needed time away from work. Here’s a peek into some of things that have helped me make the most of the season so far! 

Vietnamese Chicken Salad:

This salad, which I pieced together myself from several different recipes, has been a staple in our household this summer. The marinated chicken pairs perfectly with the crisp, crunchy vegetables, and I’m obsessed with the sweet, tangy dressing. It’s substantial enough to be a meal all on its own, but also makes a refreshing side if you’re looking for an easy dish to bring to a barbeque or game night. If you plan on making enough to have leftovers, keep the dressing separate so the veggies don’t get soggy. Tag me on social media (@soheefit) if you give it a try!

Vietnamese Chicken Salad (serves 8-12)

For the dressing: 

• 3tbsp fish sauce 
• 2 lime juice 
• 3tbsp water 
• 4tbsp rice vinegar (or distilled white vinegar) 
• 4tbsp sugar 
• 3+ garlic cloves, minced 
• 2 spicy peppers of choice, minced 

For the fried shallots (optional but strongly recommended!): 

• 1 cup vegetable oil 
• 2-3 large shallots, thinly sliced 
• salt 

For the salad: 

• 1/3 head green cabbage, shredded 
• 1/3 head red cabbage, shredded 
• 2 carrots, coarsely shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped 
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 
• 1/2 cup mint, chopped 
• 5 cups shredded chicken (I used about 3/4 rotisserie chicken) 
• 1/2-1 cup chopped roasted peanuts 
• 3tbsp olive oil 
• 3tbsp black sesame seeds

John Wick 1-4: 

I know I’m a little late to the game here, but I recently finished all four movies in the John Wick series. I was surprised by how thoroughly entertaining they were (and I’m not typically into action movies). Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of John Wick is magnetic, and the intricate choreography of the fight scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. What impressed me most was how each sequel seemed to surpass the last in intensity and storytelling, something that definitely hasn’t been the case with many of the sequels I’ve seen lately.

Running Sunglasses:

I started training for my second half-marathon several weeks ago, in desperate need of a new pair of running sunglasses. I settled on the Tifosi Vogel SL Sport Sunglasses from Amazon ($39.95), which tick all my boxes. The design is sleek and sporty, and they sit comfortably on my face without slipping or feeling too tight, thanks to the adjustable nose pads and lightweight frame. This is essential for me, as I need sunglasses that will stay put during speed and tempo runs.

The lenses also provide protection against UV rays (a must-have feature when running outdoors in California!), and effectively reduce glare without distorting colors, so I can see clearly whether I’m running on bright sunny days or in more overcast conditions. 

You can grab a pair for yourself using my Amazon link! → https://amzn.to/4eQGosV 

Time-Efficient Workouts: 

These past few months have been extra busy with travel and work commitments, which means I’ve had less time to train than I’d typically like. Rather than skipping my workouts or pushing them off, I’ve been doing whatever I can with the time I do have. This means lots of supersets, five to 10-minute exercise snacks sprinkled throughout the day, and a healthy “something over nothing” mindset.

My Momentum by Sohee Turbo Mode workouts have come in clutch, too! These 30-minute lifting sessions are the perfect option for anyone looking to get in and out of the gym quickly without sacrificing intensity. If this sounds like you, sign up for a 7-day free trial on my Momentum by Sohee app to give Turbo Mode a try! 

King Richard: 

Ben and I have been spending quite a few cozy nights in this summer, watching movies with Ollie, Jellie, and Leyla. One of my recent favorites was “King Richard,” starring Will Smith as Richard Williams, father to tennis phenoms Venus and Serena. The film beautifully captures the sisters’ rise to stardom, spearheaded by their father’s unconventional approach that challenged social norms and empowered his daughters to break down barriers. His unwavering belief in their potential had me near tears (Ben can attest). Even if you aren’t much of a sports fan, this biopic will have you rooting for the Williams’ family, in awe of the sacrifices Richard made for his daughters. 

Leisure Reading: 

Admittedly, the bulk of my reading material over the past couple of years has been research journals and studies related to my PhD. In an effort to take proper downtime away from work, I recently bought a Kindle, and have been leaning into genres that have nothing to do with health and fitness! It’s been a nice little escape from my typical go-go-go schedule. If you’ve read any page-turners recently, I will gladly take recommendations! 

Reflecting on these favorites reminds me of the importance of balance in maintaining both physical and mental health. Whether it’s finding moments of stillness with a good book, gearing up for a training run with my favorite sunglasses, or digging into my salad-of-the-moment, each item on this list has helped make this summer one to remember. Here’s to embracing every season with gratitude and a commitment to self-care!