Every season is a good season to make your health a priority, but with the long sunny days and endless seasonal fruits and vegetables at your disposal, summer tends to be the season we’re more motivated and successful at losing weight. Read below for our top 5 reasons to lose weight in the summer.
1. More opportunities to be active. Staying indoors all day seems less attractive when it’s sunny and beautiful outside. Jogging, biking, and hiking easily replace sitting in front of the television, even after a long day at the office because, mainly we can. Not to mention all the water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming that are more popular during these warmer months. If you’re just starting your weight loss journey in the summer, you might be more inclined to to get active just by being outside and having that extra exposure to Vitamin D. As the summer days kick in, my family bounces back into post-dinner walks around the neighborhood and night swims in the pool, helping my husband and I digest our dinner while our kids burn off that extra ounce of energy before bedtime.
2. Quench your thirst with H20. As temperatures rise along with our perspiration (ick, we know but it’s true), you’re more likely to naturally crave water for hydration this time of year. We’re all well aware water is the best source of hydration for your body and here’s why it’s also your #1 go-to drink for weight loss support. In addition to helping your body regulate body temperature to prevent over-heating, water can also help promote healthy digestion by cleansing your body of waste, and curb your appetite, thus preventing overeating. Check out these tips for getting in your daily dose of H20 and add “drinking more water” to your summer goals.
3. Nutritious and delicious seasonal produce. Summer means an abundance of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables that perfectly pair well with grilled chicken and fish. These nutritious options are often lower in calories, high in fiber, and can be highly beneficial for wight loss success. Focus on grilled or baked lean proteins, salads, vegetable skewers, and fresh smoothies. Utilize your options of fresh produce and incorporate them into your summer rotation for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
4. Dress less. When you’re overweight and not feeling your best, the last thing you want to do is wear anything showing off your body. However, by hiding behind baggy clothes and long sleeves in 80+ degree weather, you’re actually making it harder to motivate yourself to lose weight AND see your weight loss efforts. While it may sound scary, challenge yourself to put on that pair of shorts, wear that sleeveless top, and go to the beach in a swimsuit. Keep in mind, it’s not all about you. Yes, our insecurities tell us everyone is pointing at us and making fun of how we look…but that oftentimes isn’t the case and just all in our head. You may not be at your goal weight right now, but don’t let that be your excuse to shy away from summer activities with friends and family. Instead, use it as your source of motivation to get healthy and lose weight this summer.
5. You can get paid for losing weight in the summer. Get a head start on your New Year’s resolution and check out our 5th reason to lose weight in the summer: the HealthyWager! It’s the individual weight loss challenge customized to you, where you could get paid up to $10,000 for hitting your personal weight loss goal! And when you join by June 17th, we’ll add an EXTRA $75 to your cash prize! Ready to get started? Enter your information in the HealthyWage Prize Calculator to find out how much you can win!!