5 Ways To Not Let Summer Sabotage Your Weight Loss Plan

We see patients all winter long, who, when advised to work on their weight, say that they will for sure lose weight over the summer. In our climate with recent winters marked by the endless Polar Vortex, winter has seemed like the worst possible time to get healthy and fit.

So, here we are, mid summer and drum roll… people still aren’t losing weight!!!! So what is the problem? If we were cooped up all winter eating comfort foods and that was our excuse, then why is summer no better? Apparently summer has its own pitfalls to getting healthy. Everyone wants a quick way to lose weight.

Let the following 5 tips about losing weight over the summer help your plan to get fit faster any time of year:

#1 Don’t fall into the alcohol trap:

Summer is notorious for outdoor music festivals, summer soirees, street fairs and a myriad of opportunities to drink outside with friends. You can still enjoy these seasonal pleasures without overdoing the alcohol, because these tasty concoctions are a huge source of hidden calories, especially the fruity drinks. Some Pina Coladas have up to 800 calories (that’s more than half our daily recommended calories for many of us) in one drink!. Margaritas tend to weigh in slightly better but they too can get up to the 500-600 calorie range depending on type and size. An occasional indulgent drink can still be a part of your summer fun, but plan your consumption so that you don’t overdo it and opt for less caloric options such as skinny versions of popular drinks. There are even whole brands dedicated to this cause such as Skinny Girl . Or have a light beer, simple spirits and water or on the rocks.

#2 Make real exercise a priority

The outdoor activities of summer can make you feel very active. Newsflash! Lying on the beach is not exercise. Sometimes it’s easy to substitute outdoor activity for real exercise and feel like you have been active. Biking leisurely to your local ice cream shop doesn’t count and neither does walking your dog casually around the block. Don’t lose sight of real cardio and strength training exercise – you remember, the kind where you get your heart rate up for a sustained period of time. No doubt, you can find fun ways to do this outside and take advantage of the better weather – make plans for a power walk with a friend (add one pound wrist weights to really step up the intensity), swim laps at your local pool or beach, or take an hour long intense bike ride to a great destination.

#3Don’t let the BBQ be your downfall: Choose the healthy eating option

Nothing says summer like a juicy burger with all the fixins and sides. What better to top it off than a delicious slice of pie a la mode. Summer decadence at its best! It’s OK once in a while. But just as during the holiday season, it’s easy to get carried away and make overindulgence the norm, summer temptations abound. A little restraint is in order so you can have your occasional splurge. Make in-between meals extra healthy and filled with salad and fresh veggies. This way you can enjoy the occasional BBQ delight.

#4 Avoid dehydration which will fuel low energy, constipation and bloating.

Many factors in the summer contribute to a state of dehydration: namely alcohol consumption, sweating from heat and humidity, and electrolyte depletion. It is essential to replenish electrolytes in order to maintain adequate hydration. A product like PowerUp™ is the perfect electrolyte replacement. Full of magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins, this tablet can be taken with water to optimize your hydration status and prevent all the negatives that come along with dehydration. Getting your system back to normal will help you feel and look your best.

#5 Don’t let a summer schedule get in the way of your ability to plan to be healthy.

Many of us have more free time in the summer thanks to summer hours, vacation time or other flexibility the season allows. Summer fun is great, but make sure this lack of structure doesn’t get in the way of maintaining health habits. That regular trip to the gym may fall away if you aren’t in your usual routine.

Likewise, your ability to go to the grocery store, plan meals and pack lunches or snacks may also fall by the wayside. Instead of letting your time slip away, make sure to plan your days thoughtfully, including a good workout and perhaps a trip to the local farmers market to take advantage of the healthy summer produce and stock up on good snacks. Use summer flexibility to put your weight loss plan into action. Consider a good personalized all in one vitamin to meet your exact nutritional needs so that you don’t crave all the bad stuff quite as much. A custom vitamin based on your needs can help you feel your best and get back on track with your health and weight. Take our vitamin survey as a great first step in order to Find Your Vous®!

Romy Block specializes in Endocrinology and Metabolism and is mother to three active adolescent boys. Arielle Levitan is a Doctor of Internal Medicine with a special interest in Preventive Medicine and Women’s Health.  She is a mother of three teenagers. As professional women with active family lives, they recognize that people often neglect their own health needs and are uncertain about what vitamins to take. Each person is different in her diet, exercise and health history, and will benefit from different nutrients.  After years of advising their patients about the proper vitamins to take,  Drs. Block and Levitan created Vous Vitamin® to provide people everywhere with quality vitamins that are suited to their individual needs. They are authors of the award winning The Vitamin Solution: Two Doctors Clear Confusion About Vitamins and Your Health (She Writes Press, 2015). Take your vitamin quiz now to get exactly the right vitamins for your needs.

The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products offered by Vous Vitamin® are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Nothing contained herein is intended to be a diagnosis or constitute medical advice.  The symptoms described in this Blog may be a result of a serious medical condition which requires medical treatment.  You should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this Blog and before beginning any vitamin or supplement regimen.