Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Spring Into Summer!

It may not be unseasonably warm in your part of the world, but summer's still on its way! As we look forward to longer days and warmer weather, many people find that maintaining or losing weight is easier. That said, spring and summer pose their own hazards to successful weight management.

For many people, springtime seems to herald a less hectic season, because "the holidays" are behind us until fall. In fact, there are a host of celebrations in the spring and summer -- Memorial Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Fourth of July.

And, of course, spring and summer bring graduations, weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and other parties and celebrations. Each of these celebrations doesn't have to revolve around food, but they typically do. When there's food involved, it doesn't have to wreak havoc on your weight management plans, but it often does. Summer, in particular, lulls people into a false sense of security: It's the time of year for traveling or hosting visitors (or both!), and that means it's all-too-easy for healthy habits to fall by the wayside.

So, before it gets any warmer, let's take a look at what you can do to stay on track with weight management...or get a jump on losing a few pounds before the weather warms up!

Top 5 Tips for Springing Into Summer

1. Take time for body pride. Spring and summer mean the arrival of warmer weather...and less clothing. Whether you're headed for the beach or not, spring is the time of year when both men and women shed their warm-weather clothes...and begin berating themselves about how horrible their bodies look. Don't fall into that trap! Remember to talk to yourself about your body the exact same way you'd talk to your nearest and dearest friends and family members.

This is also the time of year to plan ahead for maintaining healthy body pride through the summer season. How, you ask? Here are some suggestions: Buy a bathing suit, new summer blouse, or a pair of shorts you love that flatter your body right now. Up your swag factor in a cool new hat, or invest in some gorgeous summer jewelry. Decide ahead of time what assertive communication tools you'll need to successfully navigate family or social situations. Develop a new affirmation that supports body pride.

2.  Amp up lifestyle activity. Chances are good that, no matter how carefully you plan ahead for physical activity, you'll have days and times when your plans fall through. Spring and summer also bring a host of possible changes in eating habits, too -- and it's not all fresh fruits and veggies! Weddings, showers, graduations, and birthday parties all mean cake, while barbeques and beach parties invariably include alcohol, chips and dips, and so on. Before summer's over, you'll be glad you got up and shot a few hoops with the kids, swam a few extra laps, danced at a wedding, or went for a walk on the beach under the moonlight. Every little bit of activity helps, so don't turn down an opportunity to get up and move your body!

3. Keep an eye on portion size. One beautiful thing about summer -- fresh fruits and veggies are in season! Although fruit is a wonderfully healthy food choice, it still contains calories. Fruit smoothies, in particular, can be a high-calorie option. Non-starchy veggies are a terrific option, but keep an eye on portion sizes if you use high-calorie additions like cheese or butter.

4.  Drink water. Between warmer, more humid weather, and more lifestyle activity, you probably need more water. Many people are tempted to drink sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages that seem more refreshing, but in the long run, don't meet your hydration needs. Most people need at least 2 liters of water a day, and aiming for 3 liters, or even 4 liters, can making losing weight or keeping it off easier. (Check with your doctor if you're not sure how much water is right for you.) So, keep your water bottle handy, and make sure you stay on track with hydration.

5.  Get enough rest.  There are so many fun things to do in the summertime! It's easy for sleep to get short-changed, especially as the days lengthen and the lure of staying up late to enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends beckons. Plan ahead to get caught up on your sleep the next day by planning for a restful day, or taking a nap. If that doesn't work for you, then plan ahead for ways to handle the hunger that's due to fatigue.

Now it's your turn! How do you plan ahead for the warm-weather months? What helps you lose weight, or maintain your weight, during the summer months? Let us know! :)

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