Summer is in full swing, which means lots of days at the beach or swimming pool, outdoor activities and barbecues with family and friends. W...
1. Pack a fiber punch. When you’re trying to lose weight, fiber-rich foods will promote healthy digestion and help you feel fuller longer. Since foods containing high levels of fiber take longer to digest, chances are you won’t overeat. Opt for foods that have lots of nutrients as well, such as green leafy vegetables and antioxidant-rich berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.
2. Load up on lean protein. This is one of the most important elements of low carb diets and weight loss programs—just like fiber, lean protein takes longer to digest and fills us up. It also helps us build more lean muscle mass, which in turn revs our metabolism and increases our calorie burn. Some excellent sources include eggs, which are considered a complete protein, and other foods like poultry, grass-fed beef, fish, low-fat Greek yogurt and tofu.
3. Move it. Now is the perfect time to kick your exercise program into full gear. Start slow if you need to, but strive to work out four to five times per week for at least 30 minutes per day. As the weeks go on, increase your workouts in duration and intensity. Mix it up by hitting the gym some days, an exercise class on another, and get outside and go for a walk, run, bike ride or swim.
4. Hydrate. Drink lots of water when you’re trying to lose weight and tone up, as it flushes the toxins from your body and fills you up.
5. Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is filled with empty calories, is very dehydrating and also can lead to bad choices, such as late night eating and the consumption of fattening bar food. It will also affect your ability to have a productive workout the following day.
image: goodhempnutrition.com
