Whether you’re part of the #fitfam, if you’re after a #SummerBod, or if you just want to make sure your health, fitness, and weight loss goals stay on track during the summer months, we’ve got some top tips that will make achieving your goals easier.
1. Go On An Alcoholiday
One of the simplest things you can do to boost your health, and your weight loss, is cut out the alcohol consumption. Alcohol is chemically similar to sugar, so drinking it can set off the same insulin resistance that can promote weight gain. Alcohol is also “empty calories” in that its consumption doesn’t fill you up, in fact, it has the opposite effect, and can make you crave food at the end of the evening, as well as crave stodgy foods the next day too.
Aim to give yourself as much of a break from alcohol as possible over the summer, so that when you do indulge in a BBQ or on holiday, you can enjoy it guilt free. If you have lots of social events over the summer and find you can’t cut it out completely – drink spirits with diet mixers, and make every second drink a glass of water.
2. Switch Your Carbs
Highly refined carbs such as processed white grains that are the basis of so many of our meals, can spike blood sugar levels and encourage the pancreas to produce insulin, which facilitates the accumulation of fat, and then guards against its depletion. Swap fast-release refined carbs for slow-burning unrefined ones where possible, e.g. swap white rice for brown basmati rice and white pasta for whole grain pasta.
3. Be Inspired By The Mediterranean
Summer is a great time to enjoy the benefits of fruits and vegetables, with plenty of opportunities to make fresh, delicious, and guilt-free salads. As the weather is warmer, we often don’t have as much of an appetite anyway, and we don’t feel the need to eat a hearty and warm dinner. Take advantage by ensuring your fridge is fully prepped with pre-prepared varieties of salad and cold meat cuts.
4. Drink Up!
Making sure that you drink plenty of fluids, and especially water, is beneficial for weight loss anyway, but it’s even more important during summer months when you need to make sure that you stay hydrated. Make your own ice lollies using no added sugar or sugar-free diluted juice and an ice lolly mould, to give your hydration levels a refreshing boost!
5. Get Outdoors
Instead of sitting in watching TV, make the most of the nicer weather and brighter evenings by going for a walk or taking part in outdoor activities. You don’t have to be taking part in a formal exercise class or workout to get your heart pumping and shift those extra pounds, just upping your regular level of daily or weekly activity will all add up.
6. Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail
Summer isn’t an excuse to fall off your healthy living wagon, and with unexpected events such as BBQs and family gatherings, it can be difficult to make sure you stay on track. The solution? Keep planning and prepping. Making sure you have healthy foods and snacks by getting them in advance during your weekly shop means that you will have something healthy to reach for when hunger strikes, or just for when you’re feeling pecky.
7. Get Support
The WST Community offer advice, guidance, and support at weekly meetings, to help you stay focused on achieving your goals. Share your goals with friends and family, so they can support you too, and enlist a friend for those evening walks in the sunshine. Not only will you feel better after the physical activity, but spending quality time with those you love gives endorphins (the happy hormone) an added boost too!