It’s finally here…summer! The time for sun, warmth and opened-toed shoes! Most of us have either waited all year for these months, or spent time dreading the arrival due to myriad of reasons. Perhaps you haven’t reached your goal weight, or you feel that you’re not beach-body ready; but, whatever the reason may be the reality is that summer is here and you have every right to enjoy it. So let’s cast out all of the negativity and focus more on being present, safe and on track with our weight loss program. After all, summer’s here and nobody’s going to rain on your parade. Now, shall we? Repeat after us: WATER.
Wear Cool Clothing
Activity
Treat Yourself
Eat
Rehydrate
Wear Cool Clothing
Wearing cool, loose fitting clothing is a great way to help stay cool during the summer heat. Try to stick with lighter colors which tend to reflect the sun’s light away from you. This is opposed to wearing black and darker colors which tend to absorb the light and make us hotter. It’s ok to wear fun colors and stand out! Be proud…after all, you’ve worked very hard to get to where you are!
Activity
Staying active throughout the summer will be important just like at any other time throughout the year. However, there are a few things with which to be mindful:
- If you elect to use the outdoors for your fitness consider exercising before 8am and beating the height of the sun. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring more water than you think you need. This may mean bringing a cooler to leave in your car or wherever you are so as to always have a chilled water ready.
- Maybe enroll in an aquatic class at a local outdoor pool! Water activity is so much fun and you don’t hardly realize you’re moving (until you get out of the pool and your legs are all wobbly! #BestFeelingEver). Don’t be shy! Just do it!
- Alternative forms of activity such as gardening, helping out at a community supported farm and playing with young children in the family are great forms of activity.
Treat Yourself
Summer is also about vacationing, indulging and taking time for yourself. This summer think of a few things you want to do and just do them. It could be going to a museum, visiting the boardwalk/beach or hanging out with friends just catching up. Whatever it is that you want to do: treat yourself.
Eat
In order to lose weight we need to fuel our bodies. This is something we already know and we know your doctors and dietitians have drilled into you. But it’s important. Be sure to find portable meal solutions such as Pro-Cal or Z-Pro 25 to keep with you that just need to be mixed with water. And, always remember your vitamin & mineral supplements! They’re just as important post weight loss surgery.
Rehydrate
Staying hydrated is very tough in the summer months. However, it is super critical to enjoying our time in the great outdoors. Be sure to have plenty of water available. We recommend trying to take a few sips every 5 – 10 minutes to maintain hydration, and not to obstruct eating during eating hours. If you are like others and struggle with drinking plain water, throwing in a slice of strawberry or watermelon (small 1” piece) is a great way to flavor up to ½ gallon of water and adds zero calories with tons of flavor!
