There is no better time to drop some pounds than hot weather. Losing weight in the summer is much easier and more fun than in the autumn or winter. Why? First of all, because you’re feeling more motivated to look good. Secondly, you have plenty of fruit and vegetables to choose from.
Summer’s here, and it’s the perfect time for losing weight. Why is that? Because you feel more positive and active, and you want to look good when you’re going to the beach. Hot weather can also suppress your appetite. Most of all, you have a large variety of fruit and vegetables to choose from. So you have no excuse for eating unhealthy!
5 tips for losing weight in the summer
1. Fruit and vegetables
Losing weight in the summer is easier than ever because you can choose fruit and vegetables to your heart’s delight. Eat foods high in water, like cucumbers and watermelon. Raw fruit and vegetables also contain fibers that will make you feel full for a longer time.
We suggest you eat fruit in the morning because sugar means calories, and you must have the time to burn them off until you go to sleep. Use raw vegetables as much as you can in your salads! Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, bell pepper, and spring onion are low in calories but full of vitamins and fibers! If you want, you can add nuts, low-fat cheese, and grilled chicken breast. That way you can make a more nourishing meal and you won’t need extra carbs.
2. Choose your carbs with care
Dietary carbohydrates can be split into three main categories: sugars, starches, and fiber. The main purpose of carbohydrates is to provide energy for your body. Most carbs get broken down or transformed into glucose, which can be used as fuel. But carbs can also be turned into fat.
Simple carbohydrates include vegetables, whole fruit, legumes, potatoes and whole grains, which are healthy foods. Refined carbs are found in sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices, pastries, white bread, white pasta, white rice, and others. Highly refined carbohydrates will spike blood-sugar levels and encourage the pancreas to produce insulin, which both facilitates the accumulation of fat, specialists say.
You can eat whole-wheat bread or pasta, quinoa, barley, brown rice, or oats. Avoid sugary foods, cookies, pastries, and white bread, pasta, and rice.
3. Smaller portions
Losing weight in the summer is easier because you can eat less without starving. The heat may tamp down your appetite. In a 2013 study, people who worked out in a hot environment (86 degrees F/30 degrees C) ate less afterward than those who exercised in a cooler setting (50 degrees F/10 degrees C), according to Mindbodygreen.com. This suggests that high temperatures may reduce your desire to eat – even after you’ve done a tough workout.
Summer has many fruit and vegetables to offer but also can tempt you with lots of ice cream and fattening foods. You can’t give up on everything, can’t you? However, you should try to eat from smaller plates! That’s the simplest way to feel satisfied with less food. After all, if your body doesn’t need so much food, why splurge on it?
4. Skip the fruit juice
When is hot outside you may often feel dehydrated and you need water. But if you’re going out with your friends or on a date, are you going to drink plain water or something else? Fruit juices, lemonades, sugary drinks, and alcoholic cocktails sound better, right? Those colorful drinks with fancy names come with a large sugar dose! And alcohol is chemically similar to sugar, so drinking it will set off the same insulin resistance that can promote weight gain.
If you crave fruit juice, it’s better to eat some fruit and have a glass of water with it.
5. Swim, hike, or just walk more
Nice weather encourages you to be active. So take advantage of the sunny days and go swimming! During weekends, call some friends and ride your bikes or go hiking in nature! When you don’t have much time, don’t be lazy! Even walking can make losing weight in the summer easier and more fun!