Sun’s Out, Buns Out: How to Lose Weight and Look Great this Summer
Whether it’s relaxing by the pool or a fun-filled day at the beach, there’s no better way to escape the summer heat than taking a much-needed dip in the cool water. While summertime offers the opportunity to show off that flashy new swimsuit that’s been sitting in the closet since February, it can be daunting for some to truly flaunt their full-on beach body. In a study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, almost 50% of American adults have attempted to shed some extra pounds in the last 12 months. Losing weight is a challenging endeavor as is, and it can be especially difficult in the blistering summer heat. For those looking to get in shape this summer, here are some essential tips to ensure you get results while staying healthy in the hot temperatures.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Be it rain or shine, hot or cold, staying hydrated is essential to your overall health and performance. However, summer temperatures cause our bodies to perspire more than usual, resulting in the body’s fluid levels diminishing faster than normal.
It is recommended to start the day by drinking a full glass of water, which serves several key functions for your body when trying to lose weight. First, hydrating in the morning ensures your body’s fluid intake sits at a healthy level before you get started with your daily activities. In addition, hydrating boosts metabolism and helps induce healthy bowel movement, two functions that are crucial for weight loss. Lastly, drinking lots of water instigates thermogenesis, a process that helps the body effectively eliminate body fat.
Sweat it out with a morning outdoor workout
As hard as it is to fight the urge to hit the snooze button, waking up early to exercise has its benefits in the summertime. Not only does an early workout get your day started on a positive note with a healthy dose of endorphins, but it also allows you to take advantage of the cooler temperatures so you can enjoy your morning jog or yoga session before the harsh heat of the day kicks in.
For those who prefer exercising in the comfort of their home or at an indoor gym, consider incorporating an outdoor workout into your routine. Due to the warm temperatures outside, the body sweats at a higher rate than normal, which helps to burn fat quicker. In fact, a shorter workout outdoors can help you burn more calories than a longer duration workout inside a temperature-controlled gym. When exercising outdoors in the summertime, it is recommended to do so in the morning or at night, as temperatures are typically lower in these timeframes. To prevent potential heatstroke while exercising outdoors, be sure to drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting clothing, and take frequent breaks in the shade.
Go for a swim
Take advantage of the heat and make swimming laps a part of your summer workout routine. Swimming is not only a refreshing escape from the high temperatures, but it also exercises your entire body and strengthens your full range of motion.
Make fruits and veggies a staple of your daily intake
When trying to lose weight, it is highly recommended to reduce the amount of meat in your diet and instead eat more fruits and vegetables. Not only do fruits and veggies provide sufficient nutritional value, but they offer high amounts of vitamins and fiber that aid your digestion, promoting weight loss. In addition, consuming more vegetables and fruits can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems such as high cholesterol later in life.
Swap out the morning cup of coffee for green tea
There’s nothing like a strong cup of coffee to start the day off right. For those looking to lose weight, consider switching to green tea, a healthier alternative to coffee. Like coffee, green tea is energizing and can help you stay focused and alert. Green tea gets its edge over coffee due to its cardiovascular benefits and the high levels of antioxidants, in particular catechins. This type of antioxidant helps prevent the excessive storage of fat in the body, which can be useful in reducing overall body weight. Morning or night, enjoying a cup of sugar-free green tea is a great boost to your weight loss journey.
