Spring into Action: How to Shred Weight this Spring
Despite the many weight-related resolutions most people make around the first of the year, the winter months make weight loss especially difficult. What with typical freezing temperatures typical to western NY, holidays, and busy schedules such as kids’ schooling and sport events, it’s hard to make healthy weight a priority. But now that spring has arrived, you can start anew with your weight loss agenda!
If you’re discouraged with how you’ve been doing with your weight loss plan, let spring be a time for you start anew. As everything begins to blossom once again, let this be your chance to “turn a new leaf.” Recommit to weight loss success and see what you can do this season!
Check out a few of these weight loss tips that will help you make your health a daily habit and get you back on track for the rest of the year!
1. Change your Diet
Spring is a great time to liven your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables that’ll boost your weight management plan. Below are just four suggestions to get you started:
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Asparagus
Do you often feel bloated? Asparagus can help, thanks to Vitamin K. Asparagus also contains various B vitamins that help regulate blood sugar. When your blood sugar is stable, you won’t be as tempted to binge on sugary foods that wreak havoc on your weight loss plan.
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Avocados
Avocados contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which is great for energy. They also keep you feeling full for longer, which helps you avoid between-meal snacking.
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Apricots
Apricots, best when bought late spring or summer, contain a good amount of fiber as well as Vitamins A, C, and E. They are a great way to improve your metabolic rate.
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Oranges
Oranges contain flavonoids, which help decrease inflammation and act as antioxidants. Oranges are also a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
2. Get Back Outdoors
Now that the weather is slowly creeping up the thermostat, it’s time to get back outdoors and enjoy rich Vitamin D! We recommend doing something active for about 30 minutes every day. Our exercise physiologist will customize a workout plan just for you so that you don’t feel pain in your lower back or joints. Check out some simple exercises that you can do at home either indoors or outside:
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Exercise Ball
An anti-burst exercise ball is a great way to strengthen your core and improve your balance and stability. Even if you try sitting on the ball while you watch TV, you’ll notice your core tightening to keep your balance.
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Walking with a Pedometer
A pedometer is a great motivation tool when it comes to walking. Try starting out with taking 50 steps an hour and see if you can increase it over time. Journalling your progress is a great way to track how you’re doing!
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Swimming
Swimming offers a great cardiovascular workout, but cushions your joints as well. It also targets both your upper and lower body at the same time, and the resistance of the water increases the number of burned calories.
3. Stay Motivated
Accountability goes a long way to help you stay motivated for weight loss. Do you have a friend who will diet and exercise with you? If you want an accountability partner, or you’d like to learn more about our programs, meal replacement options, and more, we’d be happy to answer any questions. We also offer a Couple’s Coupon to encourage accountability – any two individuals who sign up for our program together each get $100 off his/her program.