Staying Svelte in The Sweet, Sweet Summer
Summer! There you are! We've missed you- so glad for your return :]
If you're anything like me, you have a passionate loving relationship with Summer. There's so many great things going on: Vacations, Barbeques, Beaches, Picnics, Pools, Rest, Relaxation, Adventure- something for everyone! But the truth is, even with all the positivity in the air, Summer can be a bit tricky when it comes to our Diets, Lifestyles, and most importantly our Self-image. If you think about it, there are more times to overindulge in Goodies, while at the same time more times when we are less covered up. It doesn't have to be scary though- in fact it's going to be the other way around. This will be the Summer that you look and feel your Absolute Best (and without deprivation). For this Summer, you have me & I got you!
Lets start with basics: like any other time of the year eat clean all week as much as you can. If you have a midweek event like a Barbeque, make sure you workout that day and eat squeaky clean for your other meals. For example have a yogurt or egg whites and fruit for breakfast and maybe a light salad before the party. Once there, choose what you love and must have. If you must have everything, try a little of each and make sure to have a big plate of salad or raw/grilled veggies with your food to help keep you full and from overeating.
If you're big on the potato and pasta salads, have a little, count those as your starch and trash the bun for your burger. I like a crunchy lettuce-wrapped burger myself- pile on some slices of onion and tomato with a little ketchup (organic is best) and spicy mustard and THAT is a Party in your Mouth! Turkey and Chicken burgers are a great option, as well as Turkey/chicken sausages- soo good. Seafood is also Dee-Liciousss on the grill. Filet and Shell fish can be super healthy if you pass on the side of Calorie-laden, Artery-clogging Butter and instead squeeze some Fresh Lemon and Sea Salt on- Yum!
Desserts are usually easy during the summer because most people/parties serve fresh fruits like melons and berries. If you want, YOU bring the fruit platter and maybe some light whipped topping or sugar-free jell-o. Your Host/Hostess will I'm sure be appreciative. If frozen treats are more your style try Sorbet, Water Ices, Gelato or Light Fro-yo. Again, to ensure it's there: YOU bring it. However if you just must have ice cream, keep it at one scoop or 1/2 cup. If there's pie and that's your absolute favorite, have a slither with a hot cup of coffee or tea to help fill you or if you're like me and all about the filling, then just eat the insides and forgo the crust and the extra calories.
When vacationing, you want to enjoy yourself, but at the same time you don't want to come home with ten lbs of resentment in your gut and hips. I used to always gain weight on vacations- especially All-inclusive trips. It wasn't until recent years that I actually now come home from vacations lighter than when I left. If you change your perception & look at it my way, you can too. I still take advantage of the All-inclusive but I do it in a way where I'm eating healthy and still being pampered and feeling luxurious.
For breakfast I don't eat everything at once. Instead each day, I choose something delicious to have. There will be a morning I will have a massive Egg white omelette with fresh vegetables and ham or salmon- things I don't obviously eat every morning at home. The next day I might have yogurt with some granola, papaya and pineapple or exotic mango- fruits that are not readily available to me everyday at home. I may do a waffle one morning and top it with some fresh berries and a little honey. These are all delicious breakfasts that are appreciated more on their own, instead of all at once, because they are all there.
If I'm doing All-inclusive I do massive salads for lunch and probably refill my plate a few times. I'll put a variety of veggies, salsas and bean salads on or some fresh fish but nothing too heavy- especially if I'm going to be sitting in a bikini right after eating. If I'm dining a la carte, I'll do a light lunch- also probably a salad with some grilled chicken or fish.
Dinner again, I start with a salad and then find something on the menu that I love that hopefully looks semi-healthy. If you're going to get something completely indulgent, like a creamy pasta I suggest forgoing dessert. If you're doing something like Meat or Fish with Veggies, then have a little Happy-Ending. The choice is yours, make it wisely.
Throughout the day of your vacay and really all summer long, try and drink tons of water. If you're in the sun you will be sweating a lot. Also most of that Tasty-Fancy-shmancy food is probably loaded with sodium. If you're doing day-drinking try and keep it light like vodka and club or a white wine spritzer or light beer. I personally like gin and club with fresh lime in the hot weather- it's refreshing, low-cal and always gives me a nice buzz :]
Summer is a great time to stay active. We have longer hours of sunlight and even at dusk, warm weather to stay outdoors in. Swimming is a wonderful cardio option or if you're without pool or just not a water person, walking is free and you can do it anywhere. Go to your favorite park, beach or boardwalk. Speed walk or run every night if you can- why not? Also great sports for cardio are Tennis, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball- the list goes on. You can work your arms real nice while doing some Serene Golfing, if that's your thing. Also stay active on vacation or out of town- trust me- you will be grateful you did. Even if it's just a twenty minute speed walk every morning before breakfast- get your hurt pumping and your metabolism burning!
On beach days, I like to have a light-filling breakfast of "Belly-flat" foods like yogurt, oatmeal or eggwhites with some fruit or raw almondbutter. I always bring a cooler with water and fresh fruit like watermelon or frozen grapes and veggies like carrot/celery sticks, cherry tomatoes- juicy quenching snacks- no salty nuts or chips that are going to bloat me. I'll pack either low-sodium turkey roll-ups with lettuce and mustard or a little tuna salad for lunch. If we're going to go out to eat, I order a light sandwich or salad with grilled chicken or fish. Again- I stay away from sodium on beach days. I can't imagine anyone feeling their best after a salty-bloating Hot dog or Pizza. Save that for another day- NOT a bikini day- trust me.
Follow these tips and you should have an Enjoyable Summer where you feel and look great. We all have slip ups. If you overdo it during one meal/dessert/party, don't lose it and allow yourself to spiral into a funk. Acknowledge it and rectify it with some extra workout time and lots of water and water-based veggies & fruits (Refer to previous posts). You got this. I got this. We are having The Best Summer- Together. xo
