Weight Loss Surgery Forums

by Cathy Wilson, PCC-ICF


Summer is in full swing. Summer brings lots of fun and opportunities to be with family and friends during vacations, BBQ’s, pool parties and other fun get-togethers. With the warmer temps and relaxed schedules (without running kids to school and all sorts of extracurricular events), make sure to include time to take care of yourself. There are so many benefits to this time of year. Here are your summer tips to look good and feel great:
    
1. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables. Summer brings an abundance of fresh fruits and crisp vegetables for you to enjoy. Be sure to benefit from salads full of crunchy, nutritious flavors and the sweetness of summer fruits that can help to curb your sugar cravings. When you eat a full range of colorful produce this summer, you give your body the advantage of maximum nutrition.

2. Enjoy the thrill of the grill.  If you cook it, you can grill it. With the right pans and equipment, you can grill your healthy favorites. Grilling gives food a punch of flavor that you don’t get from indoor cooking. Grill your favorite lean proteins – chicken, steak, ground beef, turkey, fish and shrimp. Vegetables and fruits are even better when grilled.  Try kabobs with proteins, vegetables and fruit for maximum flavor and nutrition.
 

3. Stay hydrated. Drinking water comes more naturally as a result of summer temperatures. You will be more able to get in your water requirements due to the natural thirst from heat and summer activities. If you become thirsty, it means that you are already dehydrated. Drink water by sipping regularly throughout the day to maximize your hydration. We often mistake thirst for hunger, especially during the warm summer months. Don’t eat when what you really want is to drink. Always ask yourself if you are really hungry. And if you are thirsty, the best drink is water.

 

4.  Walk or bike at every opportunity. Park the car and walk or bike whenever possible. If you live close enough to your office or to run an errand, get there by foot or bicycle and take advantage of the summer weather. Instead of wasting your time in traffic, you will get exercise that will ensure you have the best summer body possible.

5. Stay cool in the pool. Have fun while getting exercise in the pool. Swimming is a double bonus activity because you’ll get fabulous calorie-burning fun and stay cool at the same time. Marco Polo anyone? 

6. Sunscreen. During the summer, whether full sun or overcast, make sure you are covered with sunscreen. You’ll gain the healthy benefits of outdoor activity and sunshine. Wear sunscreen every day and your skin will thank you later.

7. Gardening. Whether you have acres of land or a balcony, you can garden. Go to your local nursery and select seeds, plants, trees or bushes of your favorite fruits and veggies. If you live in a city or space is at a premium, you can still have a container garden. There is a special fulfillment in growing something on your own that you can eat and share with family and friends. You can also add color to your world by planting a wide variety of flowers that flourish in the summer. 

 

8. Mini-vacations and get-aways.   You can duplicate a couple weeks of a vacation in a mini-vacation or a weekend get-away. Go local, and be a tourist of your own area. Many times you can get caught up in the day-to-day routines of your life and miss out on some great local spots. You can go camping, have a family BBQ or picnic, take a day hike or travel a few hours to a special destination. You’ll return as rested and rejuvenated as you would from a week or two vacation.

 

9. Hobby or interest. Think of a new activity or interest you may have and go for it! Learn to play tennis, take swimming lessons, play croquet or badminton, go rock climbing, geocaching (treasure hunt with a GPS), knit, take piano lessons – think outside of the box. Indulge in the summertime schedule that allows you to develop new hobbies and interests.

 

10. Extra shot of motivation. You’ve got it so flaunt it! Slip into something flattering. Enjoy your weight loss success by wearing summer attire. Give yourself a shot of motivation with summer fashions of a body-slimming sundress, tailored capris, short-sleeved or sleeveless tops and shorts. Seeing (and feeling) the way your clothes fit, reminds you of how great you look and of your weight loss surgery success.