5 Weight Loss Tips to Get Ready for Summer

It’s that time again, when the shorts, tank tops, and the bathing suits come out of the closet. Are you ready? We all know what we’re supposed to do in order to maintain a healthy body weight for our frame, but that’s often easier said than done. When seeking weight loss, always use common sense, set realistic expectations, and avoid the temptation of crash diets to reach that number you’re looking for on the scale. The following 5 weight loss tips to get ready for summer can be easily incorporated into your daily lifestyle and habits.

Tip #1: Hydrate!

Do you drink the recommended 64 ounces (eight glasses) of water a day? Drinking water throughout the day will not only keep you hydrated, but ease food cravings, reduce bloat, and may even speed up weight loss efforts due to increased metabolism.

Tip #2: Get moving.

Many of us equate exercise to sweaty workouts at the gym. Did you know that walking (yes, walking!) on a daily basis is not only very effective in slimming down, but as a weight-bearing exercise, tones nearly every muscle in the body? You don’t have to reach 10,000 steps a day to be effective, which can be difficult for many of us working at computers all day. The key is to merely increase your activity level beyond what you’re doing now. The CDC recommends approximately 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly (approximately 20 minutes daily) for health benefits.

Tip #3: Decrease food portion size and forego the sugary drinks.

You don’t have to ignore all your favorite foods to get ready for summer. It’s all about portion control. Serve your meals on a smaller plate so that reduced portions don’t look so small. Cutting all your favorite foods from your diet leaves you feeling deprived and doesn’t encourage weight loss. Eat plenty of raw vegetables through the day, as they are low in calories and high in fiber, making you feel full and satisfied longer.

Tip #4: If you’re a “sitter”, make a deal with yourself to get up and move during commercials or take frequent breaks from the computer.

Forget fast-forward and instead march in place, work your arms and shoulders with hand weights, or do a set of knee bends or crunches. At the end of your show or after every hourly break from the computer, you’ll be amazed how many sets you can actually do. All it takes is five minutes! Even short bursts of exercise can boost metabolism, help tone muscles, and flood your brain with feel-good endorphins.

Tip #5: Set reasonable goals.

Sure, we all want to look and feel better, but don’t set unreasonable expectations that will only leave you feeling discouraged and depressed, which for some only contributes to “comfort eating”. Your weight loss efforts should be done in small increments. Set five pound milestones. Remember: Don’t just focus on the scale. Focus on how you look and feel. Follow these 5 weight loss tips to get ready for summer and before you know it, you’ll be noticing the difference.

Author Bio:  Jack Roberts is an expert consultant and specialist who specializes in promoting and growing physician practices. He currently works with UrgentWay to help improve their online footprint and garner interest in their Urgent Care Clinic, Occupational Health and Health services.

If you need more accountability to reach your goals or need more of a challenge, and want a workout schedule with more support from me, then try the YSF3 online gym for 2 weeks FREE and start living that healthy lifestyle and getting that amazing body you have always wanted.