It’s Summer so You Better Shape Up

The sun’s been out in all its glory this weekend and as the temperature soars the clothes drop. Everyone wants to look good, this is simple human nature and when the summer hits the pressure is increased as people around you are constantly getting their kit off and topping up their tan. Other than going to your local gym what else can you do to help yourself shape up for this years sun kissed shenanigans?

Drink plenty of water. Not only will this help you avoid headaches from dehydration and being in the sun all day, but regular water intake keeps flushing your system through which keeps you clean on the inside and this helps you radiate health and fitness on the outside.

Remove caffeine and sugar from your daily diet. Caffeine based drinks especially coffee and colas can contribute to gaining weight around your abdomen as they increase your stress hormone levels. Sugar is a basic carbohydrate that gets absorbed swiftly and will be stored as fat if you do not burn it off after consumption. Foods including high sugar content are not just sweets and chocolate but also high sugar fruits such as pineapple, mangoes and grapes. 

Eat more to lose weight. Skipping meals is the number one mistake when people are trying to lose some weight. Always eat all your main meals, especially breakfast as this stimulates your metabolism for the day ahead. When you miss a main meal your stress hormone levels often increase after being negatively affected by your metabolism and blood sugar regulation, this ultimately contribute to weight gain.

Similar to the point above, you should guarantee adequate intake of protein, this is important to maintain a decent blood sugar balance and for repairing muscle tissue after exercise. There are some quality protein supplements available or you can have a healthy meal after your workout which includes high protein foods, such as meat and fish, eggs and dairy, or nuts and seeds.

If you are going to diet, diet properly. This means keeping it constant and sticking to your diet plan without fluctuating. If you’re in and out of your diet, then it’s more a fad, or quick fix which is far more harmful to your body and will probably result in you gaining weight.   

If you employ the above points and keep up a regular cardio vascular exercise routine your body will soon be ship-shape for some summer exposure.