LIFESTYLE LESSONS
Summer is an interesting time of year regarding weight loss. You can either lose or gain weight. You would think that everyone naturally loses weight because of increased physical activity like yard work, gardening, sports and other activities such as bike riding, walking and hiking. Many delicious summer fruits and vegetables are more plentiful and available at a reasonable cost.
So why do some gain weight or not lose during the summer months?
Our nutritional choices can have an impact on this. How? Think about those family and neighborhood get togethers that feature high calorie, fatty foods like potato and macaroni salads, hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and chips. What do we follow this up with? Pop, beer, or wine. Finally, dessert, cakes, ice cream sundaes and more. And portion size..............just a little more please!
During the week, sitting out on the deck or in the backyard with a snack and a glass of wine or beer? A perfect wind down to the hectic day.
So, what is a person to do? Stay in all summer? Not socialize with friends and family? Become a hermit?
No, think substitution and moderation. How about an activity prior to the meal or a walk afterwards?
Watch portion size when choosing high calorie foods. Use your plate as your guide with ½ loaded with fresh vegetables/fruits, ¼ lean proteins, and ¼ whole grains (includes starchy vegetable in this section). Pick fresh fruits for dessert.
Enjoy those wonderful fresh summer salads, but watch those high calorie, high fat dressings and add ons like cheese, croutons, bacon bits.
Rotate each calorie beverage you drink with an equal amount of water. Use a slice for fresh lemon, lime or cucumber in your ice water for a little zip to your drink. Use a nice goblet glass for this.
Focus on the social aspect of the event. Enjoy healthy food and beverage choices and you will be healthier, happier, and in better body composition when the leaf raking season begins this fall.
In fitness and health,
Coach Kate
For personal consultations on your lifestyle choices and changesand/or Coached Weight Loss service at Fitness Pointe, contact Kate Fairbairn at 219-934-2835 mailbox #452
