Many people want to lose weight during the summer. Some people want to be thin for a trip the beach, while others want to surprise their friends when they return to school. Clothes in summer are also more revealing, reminding people of the weight they gained over the long winter. Whatever your motivation, summer is an ideal time to make a weight loss goal.
Motivation
Start your diet as early as possible, giving yourself plenty of time to lose weight. Visualize yourself looking svelte in a swimsuit. You can even take a "before" picture, if you want. Aim for a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Schedule a reward for the end of the summer, such as a trip. Ask a friend to be your diet buddy for additional motivation.
Diet
Make seasonal fruit a central part of your breakfast. Top whole-grain waffles with berries, make a banana smoothie or eat berries, yogurt and granola. Get plenty of fruits and vegetables with lunch and dinner. Have a tuna, grape and walnut salad. Serve fish and summer vegetables, including squash, peas and carrots. For a snack, have Greek yogurt or baby carrots. Eat outside to consume fewer calories because of more distractions, recommends Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of "The Dr. Oz Show." Drink plenty of water. You need more fluids in the summer, and it's easy to confuse thirst for hunger.
Exercise
Take advantage of longer days and sunny weather. Try jogging, cycling or walking. Beat boredom by bringing a friend. Combat the summer heat by going for a swim. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. Any kind of activity counts, such as yard work or gardening. Prevent heat-related illnesses by taking it easy, drinking plenty of fluids and dressing appropriately. Be sure to wear sunscreen as well.
Avoid
Many summer treats are loaded with calories. Watch out for street fair foods. The average Italian sausage can run you from 425 to 500 calories, according to "New York Daily News." Have the chicken skewer instead. If you're having a picnic, skip the potato salad. A cup of the average homemade version contains about 350 calories. Make a fruit salad in place of it. If you go to a fair, avoid the funnel cakes. One may have between 700 and 1,000 calories. At the bar, skip the frozen margaritas. A drink could have more than 400 calories. Try a wine spritzer instead.
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