Make the reason for this summer season an opportunity for a new and healthy start. These science-backed simple tips will have you looking and feeling your best in no time.
1. Make the Spring calendar count
Spring is approximately 90 days long. That’s more than enough time to break bad habits and start healthy new ones. Decide on a weekly weight loss goal. Use your calendar to pencil in workouts to help you meet that goal.
Pick an event or two that will keep you motivated, such as participating in a 5K walk/run. Schedule family bike rides or plan to meet friends at the local pool for lap swimming on a regular basis.
2. Go for a non-negotiable daily walk
We’ve all heard the health benefits of walking, right? So how often do you walk for exercise? Given that this simple activity can boost creativity, rev up metabolism, and helps you look younger, making this a daily habit is the best thing you can do for yourself this Spring.
A Duke University study found that 30 minutes of daily walking is enough to prevent weight gain in most people who lead sedentary lives. This Spring try walking for 45 minutes per day (approximately three miles), which would give you an easy 300-calorie deficit.
Think you don’t have 45 minutes to walk? Try getting your movement in while your kids ride bikes around the neighborhood; or you can set your alarm early to get in a walk before work. While you walk, you can even use the time to make phone calls or catch up on a podcast.
3. Two words: Vacation sex.
Planning a vacation this winter? According to the U.S. Travel Association, one-third of all leisure travelers say they have more sex while on vacation.
Psychology Today reported that a study published in the Journal of Personal Relationships found that overall intimacy increases when couples engage in new activities together.
On vacation, this could mean sightseeing, parasailing, or trying new foods together. The trick is that both partners must find the new experience to be exciting.
4. Plan to eat seasonal produce
Eating seasonal produce can mean more flavor, nutrition, and variety. Spring food, in particular, offers plenty of health benefits. Take a look at what seasonal produce are ripe.
Making food choices in advance can increase your likelihood of sticking with your diet goals.
5. Drink more (water, that is)
Make this Spring the season that you finally start to hydrate enough. You’ll have more energy, you’ll eat less, your brain will work better—and that’s just a few of hydration’s many benefits.
Carry a refillable water bottle with you everywhere you go, and sip often. This will help you cut back on sodas, beer, and wine, saving thousands of calories over the Spring.
And being low on fluids can lead your body to confuse thirst with hunger; next thing you know, you’re overeating and packing on pounds. The evidence is pretty clear—drink water, lose weight.
6. Take a hike
Hiking is more popular than ever before—no doubt thanks to stunning nature trails. Hiking can lower stress and reset the mind.
7. Eat outdoors
Research shows that people who eat in dim light linger over their food more, and that can lead to overeating. Be sure to keep nutrition in mind when you dine al fresco by doubling up on veggies instead of starchy sides.
8. Reset your habits
If you mostly focus on getting in shape for the summer and let those notions slide the rest of the year, try leveraging Spring months to build better habits to carry you through the Autumn.
Consider closing the kitchen at 8:00 PM and turn to seltzer to keep your fluids in balance.
9. Take advantage of nice weather and leisure time
Since work schedules tend to be more relaxed when the weather starts getting warmer, you can take advantage of your down time. Instead of endlessly scrolling through Facebook, try a half-hour long outdoor yoga class; choose a miniature golf trip with the family over binge-watching Netflix.
Researchers from Maastricht University found that leisure time activity is a key element in maintaining a healthy weight, especially after substantial weight loss.
If adding a new workout or activity feels like too much effort, try to park your car further away from an entrance. Any movement helps.
One last thing… you should try this 2-minute “after-dinner ritual” that
burns up to 2 pounds of belly fat per day…
“All
this by a 2-minute “after-dinner ritual?” I asked.
I
met an old friend for lunch last month and I was super impressed with how good
she looked.
She
said, “It’s not so much about the “after-dinner ritual”, but more about how it
gives you a regenerative form of deep sleep that is responsible for everything
we need to dramatically increase our fat burning metabolism and improve our
health and appearance.”
Even
though I was skeptical, I’ve been struggling with my weight over the last few
years, so I gave it a shot and watched the same video she did.
Well,
it’s only a couple weeks later and you know what they say about how “you can’t
transform your body overnight”…
They’re
right – it actually took me 16 days to lose 22 pounds.
Now
it’s my girlfriends asking ME what I’M doing differently 💅
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