image:shape.com Summer can be a bit of a Catch-22 for many people, especially for those striving for success with easy weight loss plans. E...
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| image:shape.com |
Summer can be a bit of a Catch-22 for many people, especially for those striving for success with easy weight loss plans. Even though the motivation to lose weight is there with all the summer activities and opportunities for beach and pool days, these events may also lead us into temptation. Too many summer cocktails and too much barbecue fare can send us running to the nearest weight loss clinics.
The good news is, you don’t need to deprive yourself from all the summer fun. A little moderation can work wonders, and the myriad of healthier food choices during the summertime can make it easier to choose delicious meals that are low in calories and fat. Plus, all the extra outdoor activities you’ll be participating in will boost your calorie burn (hint, hint).
Instead of starving yourself or signing up for a crazy fad diet so you can squeeze into that summer outfit, try incorporating some of these foods that are highly recommended by weight loss clinics.
- Produce. This should be a no-brainer, as most produce adds volume to your meal while promoting healthy digestion and filling you up with fiber. Plus, their antioxidant punch will boost your health in a variety of ways. Try seasonal fruits that aren’t available all year long, such as fresh berries, grapefruit, kiwi, melons, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beets, pea pods and any other of your seasonal favorites.
- Chilled summer soups. Soup is an excellent way to fill up without consuming a lot of calories. Cold soups such as cucumber dill or gazpacho contain a lot of veggies, so they yield some healthy benefits while cooling you down. Many studies show that starting your meal with a broth-based soup helps you eat less overall during the rest of the meal.
- Fruit desserts. While this may seem like an oxymoron to some, fruit can actually satiate even the most powerful sweet tooth. Try some of these naturally sweet, juicy treats to help keep in alignment with any diets or easy weight loss plans:
Frozen banana dipped in dark chocolate
Grilled banana sundaes served with low-fat frozen Greek yogurt
Grilled white peaches with blackberries and honey
Frozen sweet cherries
A dark chocolate-covered frozen banana
Frozen grapes
Frozen watermelon spears.
