With summer just around the corner, most of us can’t wait to get back in shape and show off our skimpy jeans and crop tops. However, chances are your abs and legs don’t exactly look like on the cover of magazines, and you might be tempted to call off the summer season before it even started.
Getting back in shape is not easy, especially if you have indulged in burgers, fries, milkshakes, and pizza during the previous months. It’s hard to shake off months or years of bad habits in the short time left until summer officially starts but it’s not impossible. Although you may not lose 50 pounds in a couple of months, it helps to be realistic and set goals you can actually achieve.
So, get rid of the negativity and follow these simple tips to drop off a few pounds and keep the rhythm during the summer as well.
- Use smaller glasses, bowls, and plates
One easy way to watch out your weight without actually keeping a diet is to simply be more careful about how much you eat in one meal. You can still indulge in the small pleasures of life such as a glass of wine or a cocktail after a hard day of work as long as you replace your regular glasses with smaller versions. Don’t cheat and limit your liquor at 3-5 glasses per week.
- Have 4 servings of veggies daily
Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to go on a diet because you can indulge in countless fresh fruits and veggies. That being said, try to integrate 4 portions of veggies in your daily diet and enjoy their benefits.
This review will help you find a convenient tomato slicer with which you’ll prepare salads, sandwiches, bruschettas, and other vegetable-based delicious dishes in just a matter of minutes.
- Choose a reliable source of proteins for breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and provides you with all the energy you need to finish your daily chores on time.
Make sure to include a healthy source of proteins in the morning, whether we’re talking about eggs, avocado or meat. An egg and avocado sandwich doesn’t only sound delicious but it is low in calories and easy to prepare in just a few minutes, so you don’t actually have an excuse to skip breakfast anymore.
- Slow eating is better than fast food
We live in the century of speed where everything is on fast-forward, including our meals.
Learn to take your time and appreciate the food in front of you by taking small bites and chewing as much as possible. Also, refrain from performing any other activity while you’re eating as this sends the wrong signals to your brain. Don’t drive, walk or watch movies while you’re having lunch or dinner as these nasty habits are directly linked to weight gain and reduced levels of energy.
As a general rule, you should take at least 30-40 minutes for each meal, even more, if you’re sharing it with friends and also happen to drink a glass of wine or a beer.
- Listen to your body
Last but not least, your body knows best what, when, and how much to eat, so don’t ignore its signals.
It is always best to finish eating before feeling full to allow your stomach to better digest the food.
Don’t skip meals because you’re afraid of gaining weight but watch how much you eat instead. People have different metabolisms, so don’t expect to have the same eating hours and habits as your friends or family members.
If you’re more of a night owl than an early bird, instead of going to bed hungry because you didn’t have dinner before 7-8 pm, have a late snack or dinner. Contrary to popular myths, eating after 10 pm or even midnight won’t make you gain weight as long as you give your stomach at least two hours for digestion before going to bed.
