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Longer days, bright sun and warm weather can serve as a well-needed dose of motivation to get fit for summer. The trick is to sustain that energy through each changing season as you strive to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
If you need some help in developing healthier habits, Weight Watchers Leader and success story Liz Josefsberg, offers five tips to achieving a slimmer summer body by starting now in the spring:
Dive into a fresh fitness routine
Spring has arrived, so embrace it and all the physical fitness activities you can enjoy in the warmer months. Take a look at when, where and what you’re currently doing to stay active, and shake up your routine with new seasonal activities like swimming, tennis or running outside. Challenge yourself each month to find a new activity that gets you out and keeps you going through the spring and beyond.
Pack portable snacks
Hunger can strike while you’re out and about. Avoid the temptations of french fries or chicken fingers available at concession stands. Instead, pack your purse or bag with portable snacks that can stave off hunger and keep you satisfied. Suggestions include sweet sliced apples, reduced fat string cheese, seedless watermelon and even a fresh cucumber salad to help keep you cool.
Drink up but skip the calories
Keeping hydrated is key to healthy living, but many drinks have the calorie equivalent of a candy bar. To help reduce your caloric intake, alternate sugary drinks with a calorie-free drink like water, sun tea or diet soda. Find water to be too boring? Give your water some “bling” with seasonal flavors of fresh fruit like lime, lemon and orange. And if you’re heading out for an evening of socializing, look for alcoholic drinks with the least amount of sugar and calories like light beer.
Also keep in mind that some all natural fruit juices may have the same calories as the real fruits, but eating an apple is much more satisfying. If you are a Weight Watchers member, a fresh apple has zero PointsPlus values, compared to two PointsPlus values for a half cup of apple juice.
Keep your mind focused
Taking a vacation doesn’t have to be a reprieve from pursuing your healthy living goals. Avoiding reality can lead to even more weight gain. Get on your scale weekly, even if you enjoyed an overindulgent meal or weekend, so you can continue moving forward in a positive direction.
Slim up your social scene
Create a support environment within your social circles by organizing healthy meals and activities. Build your gatherings around outside games like volleyball, golf or even rafting. Hold healthy potlucks and invite your friends and family to bring their favorite renovated dishes and recipe cards to swap.
Get out and enjoy the warmer months. Use Liz’s five tips to succeed this spring in attaining a healthier lifestyle for summer. Visit WeightWatchers.com for more tips, recipes and information about the program.
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