During the summer season, days are longer, life is simpler and food and drink is abundant. Summertime is an easy and festive time of year. In my 30 years of working in the weight loss industry, I've realized that the two months each year people gain the most weight are, December and August. By August the eating challenges of the summer season have become so overwhelming and people tend to give into temptations.
This year you can be prepared for the challenges, face them head on and persevere. First acknowledge your challenges, and then have healthy summertime habits to carry you through the four major summertime challenges.
Festivities and celebrations:
The summer season opens with various celebrations. It's now prime wedding season, along with graduations, proms and bridal showers. Each of these celebrations is a happy and exciting occasion, and each brings eating and drinking challenges.
- Increase water intake by drinking a cup of water before you drink any other fluids, including an alcoholic beverage.
Vacation:
According to a 2014 Trip Advisor survey, 89 percent of responders take a summer vacation. Eating and drinking habits are very different while traveling then at home. Different food is available and the vacationer has a relaxed mindset.
- Proteins, fruits, and vegetables are sometimes ignored while traveling, opting for an overload of carbohydrates and sweets. Remember to include foods that nourish your body every day, helping you to eat well throughout the entire trip.
Barbeques and get-togethers:
A summer get-together will usually begin in early afternoon and end in late evening hours. Food and drink are available for hours on end, and it becomes a day of constant eating. It is estimated that an average barbeque consists of just nearly 3,000 calories, and you could be attending get-togethers frequently.
- Be active at your summer get-togethers. Often there are sporting competitions you can take part in, if not, start one. Bring a ball for volleyball or organize a backyard race. Just get it started and others will join in. If there is a pool, go for a swim.
Day-long outings... boating, beaches and picnics:
Packing food for a day on the boat or sitting in the sand will bring another set of challenges. The fresh air may make people feel hungry, and they often pack high-calorie snack food that does not need to stay cold.
- For these long days away from home, bring plenty of fruit. It's refreshing and will help keep you hydrated in the hot sun. Fruit does not have to be kept in a cooler, although it will taste better if it is. If it's previously been refrigerated be sure to place fruit in a cooler.
Make healthy, happy, summertime memories everywhere you go.