How to Stay in Shape over Summer. It is pretty easy to fall into bad eating or lifestyle habits over winter as you can hide the self-consciousness associated with gaining a few kilos under an overcoat or thick jumper. This becomes a little more difficult in the heat of summer.
If you’ve left getting fit a little late, here are some summer time health tips to help keep you looking and feeling great.
Take Advantage of the Warmer Weather
The warm weather makes it a lot easier to exercise. Getting up early to go for a walk or run in the mornings before work or running errands is more bearable when temperatures are in the high teens or early 20s. Outdoor exercise in a park or by the beach is also much more feasible when you’re not worried about the cold and wet.
Don’t Indulge in Too Much Alcohol
Its summer time, you’re relaxing so what better time to indulge in a bottle of wine or a fresh, summery cocktail? Alcohol contains hundreds of unwanted calories and can cause bloating and weight gain. If you’re trying to keep in shape, its best to give alcohol a miss. However, if you can’t resist substitute a super sweet cocktail with vodka or tequila, soda water and a splash of lemon or lime juice.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking 8 glasses of water a day can help flush your system of unwanted toxins that can make you feel lethargic and unhealthy. Keeping hydrated will also help you stay active for longer when the weather heats up. The more you’re able to exercise at your peak the faster you will burn fat and lose weight.
Eat Less
Ever heard the saying losing weight is 50% about eating less and 50% about exercising? The best way to stay in shape over summer is with a balanced diet. Make sure you’re eating plenty of vegetables and protein and avoid heavy carbohydrates like bread and potatoes. While eating healthy foods can aid weight loss, controlling your portion sizes is even more important. If you can eat 20-30% less at meal times, you’re well on your way to staying fit and healthy this summer.
Enjoy Fresh Summer Fruit in Moderation
Instead of snacking on unhealthy treats like chocolate or chips why not have a piece of fruit instead? Summer fruit is not only much healthier it often tastes better too. Juicy mangos peaches and even sweet cherries are only available for a very short time. Take advantage of the natural goodness found in summer fruit while they’re in season. Of course fruit is high in fructose so don’t indulge too much.
If you find weight loss too challenging and need a bit of encouragement, speak to the weight loss consultants at Jenny Craig and get your body summer ready today.