Summer Slim Down

Summer is in full swing and with that sultry sun, brings a change in schedule (routine), travel and outings plus the opening of patio season! Drinks, more food, and more drinks. This summer, before you toss your healthy lifestyle into the closet along with your winter boots, l urge you to integrate these 3 tips so you’ll be slimming down all summer long. It’s summertime after all, and the livin’ should be easy.

1) Eat real food & enjoy it
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again (and again) – food in or close to its most natural state is where it’s at. Forget the pre-packaged snacks and tampered with dairy. 

Fresh fruit and vegetables: Veggie sticks, apples, berries – it doesn’t get much more convenient! Now’s a great time to find out what’s in season by checking out your local farmers market.
Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice and sprouted grain bread stabilize insulin levels, helping to curb cravings.
Protein: Eggs, lean cuts of turkey/chicken & wild fish, such as salmon boosts metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller, for longer.
Healthy fats: Olive oil, nuts and seeds, avocado and coconut oil- keep you feeling satisfied, eating less overall.
Dairy: Please just have the real, full fat stuff – but in a smaller amount.


2) Hydrate
Drinking enough water is something we all know we should be doing, but do you actually know why? During the warmer summer (patio, beach, BBQ) months it’s extra important to stay well hydrated. Let’s refresh your brain:

□   Water helps to flush those pesky toxins out and promotes proper elimination.
□   It helps to regulate body temperature and maintains the balance of body fluids.
□   It boosts metabolism, prevents headaches and keeps skin glowing.
□   Water also increases energy and reduces hunger – winning!

Pump up your hydration this summer:

□   Drink a glass of room temperature with the juice of ½ a lemon upon waking.
□   Aim to drink 8 (250ml) glasses per day – setting a time throughout the day to remind you.
□   Sip green tea instead of coffee.
□   Always carry a water bottle around with you.
□   Flavour your water with citrus or fruit.
□   Brew herbal tea and add it to still or sparkling water.

 
3) Plan & Prepare
Say it with me now, “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. This is undeniably the most important aspect to any slim down & health goal, but especially during the sans routine summer months. Let’s make it happen people:

□   Schedule a time every week to plan meals and grocery shop; and fiercely protect this time. This means it holds just as much importance as a work meeting or soccer game. Make your health and slim down goals a priority!
□   Be sure to factor in your engagements – work dinners, movies & dates can all be planned for.
□   Prepare dinner and snacks on Sunday & Wednesday. Breaking it up will help you get through the week, properly planned.
□   Cook in large batches, freezing portions in single serve containers for easy grab and go lunches or dinners.


My top tips for your planning success
□   Hard boil a large amount of eggs.
□   Prep nut butter in containers to pair with a fruit, veggie sticks or rice cakes.
□   Make a batch of air popped popcorn and divvy up into snack bags.
□   Chop veggies and place into snack sized bags, pair with bean dip/avocado.
□   Make 2 or 3 smoothies, store in an air tight container such as a mason jar.
□   Make 1 pot meals.

Need assistance slimming down this summer? Book your FREE consultation with the nutritionist where 2 tips & a handout will be provided to kick-start your slim down goals. Book now --> [email protected]

Sources:
www.webmd.com
Lori Kennedy: www.lorikennedyrhn.com

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