As you reset your clock for daylight savings, take advantage of this time of year to reset your weight loss. While daylight savings may seem like a simple clock adjustment, its effects on our daily routines, exposure to natural light, and sleep patterns can be leveraged to aid in our weight loss efforts. Longer days means more opportunities to be outside (hello Vitamin D!), more motivation to be productive with your day, and more benefits for losing weight. Scroll down to read how to maximize daylight savings for weight loss success.
1. Prioritize Your Sleep
Your nightly Zzzzs are essential for weight loss and overall health, and the quality of your sleep can make or break your weight loss success. While daylight savings means longer days, the earlier morning wake-up calls can be a tough adjustment for many. To help adapt, continue going to bed and waking up at the same time. At night, make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. When it’s time to rise, start your day by soaking in natural sunlight. Open your curtains, go for a morning walk, or enjoy breakfast on your porch or balcony. Exposure to sunlight in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm and can boost your mood and energy levels throughout the day. Need an extra boost? Kickstart your day with an early morning workout or outdoor activity. Whether it’s a brisk walk, jog, or yoga session, getting moving in the morning sets a positive tone for the day ahead and boosts your metabolism.
2. Drink Your H2O
As temperatures rise with the onset of spring, staying hydrated is crucial for both your health and weight loss efforts. In addition to helping as an appetite suppressant and boosting your metabolism, water also cleanses your body of waste and aids with water retention (goodbye bloat!). Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your metabolism and keep hunger at bay. Check out our top tips for getting your daily H2O and start drinking!
3. Revamp Your Plate
With longer daylight comes a shift towards lighter, fresher meals. Use the transition to daylight savings as an opportunity to revamp your meal plan with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Explore farmers’ markets or local produce stands to discover new fruits and vegetables to incorporate into your meals. Experiment with light and refreshing recipes like salads, grilled vegetables, and fruit smoothies that are perfect for warmer weather and support your weight loss goals. Focus on incorporating lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fiber to keep you feeling satisfied and energized. And don’t forget to utilize this time of year by eating your meals in natural light whenever possible. Eating mindfully by paying attention to hunger cues, chewing slowly, and savoring each bite, can help prevent overeating and promote weight loss.
4. Increase Your Vitamin D
Embrace nature’s gym and take advantage of the extended daylight hours by exercising outdoors. Swap the treadmill for a run in the park, try outdoor HIIT workouts, or go for a bike ride. Not only does outdoor exercise provide a change of scenery, but it also exposes you to vitamin D from sunlight, which can aid in weight loss and help your mental health. Here’s a few outdoor activities that will help scorch calories and boost your endorphins.
5. Enhance Your Mental Health
Longer daylight hours mean more opportunities for outdoor relaxation and stress relief activities. Take time to unwind and de-stress by practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga outdoors. Engaging in stress-reducing activities not only supports overall well-being but also helps prevent emotional eating and cravings for high-calorie comfort foods.
Now that you have our top tips for how to maximize daylight savings for weight loss success, here’s one way you can get rewarded for your weight loss: start a HealthyWager, the individual weight loss challenge customized to you! You pick your weight loss goal, the timeframe you want to lose it in, and prize (up to $10,000)! And, when you sign up by March 17th, 2024, we’ll add an EXTRA $55 to your cash prize! Ready to get started? Enter your information in the HealthyWage Prize Calculator to find out how much you can win!
