For many of us, summer feels like it’s already coming to an end after the 4th of July. May and June went by in a blur and all of a sudden it’s the peak of summer and fading fast. Whether you are happy with your weight loss progress or are starting to realize you wish you had done more or started sooner, summer is a great time for weight loss. Wearing shorts and tank tops can make many of us feel self conscious, but you shouldn’t let it keep you from trying to make a change. In fact, there are many things about summer that are already helping you on your way.
The first is the fact that summer foods are generally much lighter than fall and winter foods. Numerous fruits and vegetables are in season and make a delicious, hydrating snack such as cucumber, watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe and more. Having 1 cup of fruit as a snack can help when you are craving something sweet and will help you stay hydrated – the fruits and vegetable listed above are made up of at least 90% water. You can even add them to your water to make hydration more interesting, although a tall glass of water is much easier to consume in the warmer months than in the wintertime. Summer features a lot of other healthy foods like grilled chicken and veggies, seafood, light and crisp salads, avocado and burgers made from salmon, turkey, vegetables and more. Summer highlights barbecuing and lighter, simpler recipes instead of heavy sauces and meats that bring us comfort in the winter.
Another great thing about summer is that you are probably being more active without even knowing it. You don’t have to be a gym rat to lose weight, but the extra activity is certainly helpful. Whether you are swimming, spending time at the beach, enjoying summer activities like water skiing or hiking, visiting a carnival, etc. you are raising your heart rate and getting in some healthy activity. Even traveling offers a lot of fun opportunities to be on the move – walking the streets, shopping, exploring an amusement park, seeing the sights or strolling through a museum for example. In the wintertime we tend to want to stay inside and hibernate, so don’t let this time go to waste!
The last factor is accountability. As it was said before, wearing less clothes in the hot weather means we are feeling more exposed and aware of our bodies. Instead of falling into a negative spiral, use this time as a motivator to push for your goals. How did you feel last summer? Were you feeling self conscious? Or were you healthy and fit but lost your way during fall and winter? In the colder months, it is easy to hide inside under sweaters and jackets, but now there are no excuses. Don’t let it stress you out – tell yourself that this summer will be different, starting now.
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
