As you pursue a medical weight loss plan, or continue to maintain your new weight, you might begin to feel a bit bored with your routine. Here are five great habits that you can try this summer, to shake things up and develop a new perspective on healthy eating.
Focus on fresh produce. Summer is the perfect time for backyard cookouts, but sometimes it can be easy to overdo it on the cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and mayonnaise-laden salads. Since summer is the season of bountiful produce, remember to fill at least half of your plate with fresh corn, grilled veggie skewers, watermelons, or ripe berries. Then finish it off with lean grilled protein like fish, chicken, a pork chop, or a small portion of steak.
Cool off with a refreshing smoothie. Pack your blender with a serving of yogurt, fresh berries, and other fruits and veggies, and give it a spin. Homemade smoothies are quick and delicious, and you can avoid the added sweeteners often used at smoothie shops.
Find new activities that you love. Exercising only to burn calories can lead to burnout! Instead of viewing exercise as a painful chore that you must complete each day, try to identify activities that you truly enjoy. Go for a swim at the beach, take up biking, try hiking a new trail, or join an outdoor yoga class. Summer is the perfect time to try new activities, especially outdoors!
Stay hydrated. If you haven’t already, purchase a refillable water bottle so that you always have fresh water available. Experiment with fruit infusions if you find plain water to be lackluster.
And speaking of staying hydrated… Alcoholic beverages usually contain a lot of unnecessary calories. But if you really want to enjoy a fun beverage at your next cookout, switch out the sugar-laden cocktails for a glass of white wine, a light beer, or a vodka with soda water and lime.
If you need more support as you pursue your medical weight loss plan, remember that’s part of our job. Give us a call and we’ll help you identify the strategies that work for you.