Have you gained a few pounds lately? Then it’s quite understandable if you want to make just a few changes in your routine, to get in shape. Winter’s gone so it’s time to break open the spring rules for weight loss rulebook!
I don’t know what type of relationship you have with the cold season, but I’m not a big fan of it. The weather is too cold, I tend to eat fattier foods than usual, and I don’t exercise because I’m not in the mood. I also barely walk to the newsroom, I have a hard time finding leafy greens to buy and when winter ends, I usually realize I have a few extra, so not welcome pounds. Fortunately, winter only lasts three months (until this freaky weather pattern this year), and it’s followed by three pleasant and warm spring months (if we’re lucky and we don’t just move on to summer).
If you’re like me and you just waited for the spring to make some changes in your diet and lose your extra pounds, take a minute to find out some spring rules for weight loss, then include them in your daily routine, at least for this season.
5 spring rules for weight loss
1. Hydrate with water
Water plays a vital role in the way your body works, and that includes the way you metabolize fat. You also need water to remove toxins from our bodies. A general recommendation is to drink 64 US fluid ounces (1.9 liters) of water per day, but actual fluid needs differ by diet, physical activity, body composition, and climate.
So, you should drink water throughout your day. If you want, you can make your own flavored water, to enjoy. Like water, clear soups and broths help dieters feel full while taking in very few calories, contributing to weight loss.
2. Leave fruit on the counter
I always have cookies, candies, and chocolate in the kitchen. It’s because of my daughter, I say, trying to make an excuse for my sweet tooth. But I know she only eats what I allow her to eat. After all, she’s 6, and I am the adult who buys all the bad stuff.
So, I made a decision, and I suggest you do the same: clear all the food off of your kitchen counter – chocolate, crackers, and snacks – and place a fruit bowl on it. A study out of Cornell University found that people who keep fruit in plain sight weigh 13 pounds less than those without visible healthy snacks.
3. Fill up on veggies
Maybe one of the basic spring rules for weight loss is to eat more vegetables. Go to the market and get inspired by all of the spring vegetables available these days. Choose leafy greens and enjoy salads and other dishes. As long as you don’t fry them or cook them with a lot of oil and fat, you should welcome any veggie to your healthy diet.
4. Eat fresh or even raw
Don’t wait until your food goes bad in the fridge! Visit your nearby market often, to get fresh fruit, veggies, dairies, and meat. Focus on fresh and colorful ingredients, if you want to lose weight this spring.
Eat raw fruit and vegetables as often as you can, because they’re full of fiber and nutrients. Start trying out new recipes based on whatever fresh items you find: asparagus, kale, leek, lettuce, radishes, new potatoes, spring onions, spinach, strawberries, or cherries.
5. Spring clean your pantry
Do you usually enjoy doing some spring cleaning in your house? Take advantage of this and clean up your pantry and kitchen. Throw all old and fatty foods, and also unwanted temptations. Move the less nutritious foods to the back of the shelves, and bring the nutritious ones to the front. Change all of your regular pasta with whole-grain pasta as well.
