Summertime is a great time to lose weight
It is that time of year again. Family vacations, bathing suits, schools out, and it’s hot. Maybe you aren’t in the best shape of your life, or like me, you dread throwing on last year’s two piece. But don’t retreat indoors yet!
Summer is the perfect time to start a more active, healthy lifestyle or to find new things to refresh your current routine. There are tons of outdoor activities that you may already enjoy that can help keep you on track. Not to mention all the yummy, fresh seasonal food!
Warmer weather brings opportunity.
Did you know that swimming is one of the best workouts for your body? Depending on your weight and intensity, swimming can burn anywhere from 600 to 900 calories and hour! Better yet, it improves cardiovascular strength, flexibility, endurance, tones your muscles and it is something the whole family can do together.
And why not try these other options for exercise, disguised as “recreation”: kayaking, biking, volleyball, or walks on the beach! The options are endless this time of year.
Throw a shrimp on the barbie.
Summer means cookouts and picnics with family and friends, and we know what that means: temptation. Burgers and dogs (try it without the bun), fried chicken (DON’T DO IT!) and corn on the cob (butter is not your friend).
If you plan ahead, however, there are always healthy, tasty options that are far more interesting and won’t set you back. Fill your grill with fresh summer vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and (my personal favorite) bell peppers. Throw on some lean chicken or fresh rainbow trout, or make homemade turkey burgers.
Fresh fruit is a great appetizer, side, or dessert. Apricots, strawberries, mangos, and watermelon are all in season. Load up! If you are diabetic, you might try some blackberries, raspberries, or rhubarb. These options are still great in the summer and much lower in sugar content.
Need to cool off on a hot day?
Try this OurSkinny Mini Meal recipe and you can relax without the guilt. Who knows, after a couple weeks of OurSkinny you might even have to dig out that bathing suit from a few years ago.
Lemon Razzy Freeze
1 OurSkinny Lemon Razzy shake
8 oz. of Diet Sprite
3-5 large ice cubes
Mix ingredients and blend.
Garnish with a couple fresh raspberries, enjoy!
*Diet ginger ale works if you don’t want it as sweet