Beach Bod or Bust!
It’s the same story every year….
“How to get that summer body in just 4 weeks!”
“Get sliced and diced in this 3 week shred to get that summer bod!”
“Summer Bikini Body Workout”
“How to get fit in time for summer!”
We can all understand that this is not realistic, or sustainable for the majority of us…..but we still end up reading these articles trying to glean any hacks or tricks that we have yet to try! I invite you to shift your mindset from getting sliced and diced to setting a simple intention to have a more healthful summer.
Here, I will list some small actions that can really make a difference in how we feel, mentally and physically. This includes, but is not limited to:
Prioritize eating a healthy breakfast and lunch. Consuming a majority of your calories before 3 pm is ideal for weight loss. That doesn’t mean you just stop eating at 3 pm. It means breakfast and lunch are your larger meals where a majority of your calories are focused. Eating a protein focused breakfast can help set the tone for the rest of the day with less snacking and cravings.
Take advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available this time of year and increase the variety of nutrients in your diet.
Take your activities and exercise outside. The fresh air and sunlight are natural antidepressants. When you run/walk/bike outside you tend to do it longer than you would on a treadmill or elliptical or stationary bike. 90 minutes of gardening can burn up to 500 calories.
Getting enough restful sleep. Too little sleep has several side effects that we are all familiar with….brain fog, irritability, low energy. Did you know not getting enough sleep can increase your carb cravings?
Mindfulness practice can improve our mood, our sleep quality, and prevent injury. Start stretching after you exercise even after walks and hikes to prevent injuries. No one wants to go for one hike, use the slip n slide, or mow the lawn only to get laid up for the rest of the summer. I know we are always talking about meditation but there are very good reasons why including reducing memory loss, anxiety management, and increasing self awareness.
And remember, if you find yourself struggling despite doing all the right things, we are happy to support you throughout your personal journey to a happy and wholesome well-being!
