Want to show your body in summer!!! How to Get Slim for Summer!!! There’s a ritual starting every spring. You are probably about to embark upon this same journey. You know the one where you pull the shorts or bathing suit out from the bottom of the drawer while saying a little prayer under your breath. Slowly you undress and pull on the piece of clothing, except now you’re holding your breath and sucking in, well, everything. You get the clothes in place and button, zipper, etc, and slowly turn around and face the mirror. The next few seconds are filled with either a gasp or a sigh of relief. Those who are gasping are having flashbacks to holiday dinners and comfort food indiscretions of the winter months. Warmer weather means stripping off all those layers of heavy clothes and exposing body parts that have been in hiding for several months now. If you’re looking to undo some of that comfort food damage, you’re not alone. Everyone wants to look good for the summer, but that look can take a little work. Summer may be fast approaching, but don’t panic. There are lots of things you can do to get back on track so you will feel, and look, better than ever. Here are some steps to help you get slim for summer: Dump the junk. Get rid of all the candy, chips and baked goods that are lurking around in your cupboards and desk drawers. Think of the calories you just saved! Remember that size matters . Using an 8 or 9 inch plate fill ¼ with meat or protein, ¼ with starch, and ½ with veggies. This keeps your portions under control and the smaller plate makes you feel like you have lots of food. Eat more often. Getting 3-5 small balanced meals each day keeps you from getting over hungry and overeating. Think about how you dress—your food that is . Sauces, dressings, mayo--they can add hundreds of calories each day. Cut back and look for low calorie alternatives like mustard instead of mayo, balsamic vinegar instead of salad dressing, low fat mayo. The same goes for fried foods too; opt for baked and broiled instead. Have a plan. Thinking ahead for meals and snacks will keep you from grabbing high calorie goodies when you get hungry. Stock your home and office with low calorie, healthy snacks. Satisfy your sweet tooth with seasonal fruit . Move it. You’ve been waiting for months for the warm weather, so get out there and enjoy it! Take a walk, ride a bike, get a friend to join. Being active burns calories and can help you lose weight faster. Buy an inexpensive pedometer and add more steps everyday. Think about your relationship with food . Do you snack at night or overeat when you get stressed? Look for healthier alternatives than eating out of boredom or stress. Hydrate. Fluids are important any time of year, but especially as it gets warmer outside. Staying well hydrated can also help keep your appetite in check. Aim for 8-10 glasses of fluid each day. Fill up, not out. Fiber doesn’t add calories, but makes you feel full. Avoid the white breads and pastas and focus on high fiber whole grains, fruits and vegetables to keep calories under control.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:55:49 +0000