It’s been a long, cold winter spent indoors waiting for warmer weather to arrive. Now that we’re getting our first glimpses of Spring, that means Summer is rapidly approaching, and there’s no better time to prep for hours of outdoor activities, weekend warrior-ing, and the inevitable “swimsuit season”. Here are a few tips to kick start a healthier lifestyle to keep you going through the Fall!
Drink lots of water
Such a simple step, but it has a great impact! Did you know, when you are dehydrated, your body can mistake thirst pangs for hunger pangs? Before you grab for that over-processed snack pack to tide you over until supper time, try drinking a glass or two of water. Chances are, you are dehydrated and your body thinks that you are hungry instead. Also, try substituting beverages you would normally drink for a glass of water.
Eating smaller portions
Reducing your portion size by only 20% can make a big difference in your drive to create healthy eating habits.
Don’t forget fiber and protein
Fiber allows your body to be able to move fat and waste through your system more quickly, while protein takes longer to digest. Both give you that “full” feeling longer, making your tummy happy until your next meal.
Eat healthy snacks between meals
Eating small, healthy snacks throughout the day keeps you from overeating during meals and stabilizes your blood sugar. However, it’s important to understand which snacks you should eat and which snacks you should pass up. A common misconception is to grab for the high-carbohydrate snacks, such as pretzels or yogurt… While these foods are relatively healthy, they are not very filling, leaving you unsatisfied before the next big meal. Stick to snacks high in protein and fiber, such as nuts, legumes, or “portable fruits”, such as strawberries, oranges, or peaches.
Keep your body guessing
A common myth in exercising is to do the same workout routines, such as crunches or push-ups, on repeat. Stop! After the first 20 or 30 reps, your body gets lethargic and you end up “cheating”, therefore not getting the full effect of the exercise and potentially causing damage to your musculoskeletal system. Be sure to change up your exercise routine every 30-90 days to keep all muscle groups continually engaged.
If you need help reaching your personal goals in time for Summer, give us a call to set up a consultation with one of our Fitness and Wellness coordinators in Greenville and Anderson!
