The summer is almost here and today is the perfect day to start your new fitness journey. It only takes a few key initial steps to get started. Don’t believe me? Just watch!
Check out these 6 quick ways to start trekking toward your summer body goals:
Say No To Fried Food, Chips Included
Yes, I know, I know. Me too! I will miss it dearly but believe me, it will be completely worth it when you’re flexin’ on the gram in that new body later. Fries are tempting and so are those late-night cravings for salt and vinegar chips, but you have to cross the line somewhere. Hit yourself hard where you know for a fact you’re eating wrong.
Throw Out Sweet Packaged Foods
This includes your favorite Little Debbie’s, oatmeal pies, cookies, candy, gas-station goods like quick granola bars, and yes homemade sweets too! If it didn’t grow, it doesn’t go!
Drink Water Only
Water is a beautiful element. It’s pure, filling and refreshing. Drink it, and lots of it. Say no to the sweet teas, lemonades, flavored liquors, milkshakes, and sugary drinks. Opt for simple teas withnatural sweeteners like honey or agave, and if you must have liquor always go for low caloric drinks like Gin & Tonic, Champagne or Vodka Soda with lime.
Start Walking
Get up and get moving already! You’ve put it off long enough. Pop on your headphones, get into a new podcast or playlist and simply go for a walk to the nearest park for a couple of laps. Anything to get your heart rate going will wake your body up and put you in “go” mode.
Bring on the Healthy Snacks!
Many of us unknowingly have a pretty low metabolism. Hike it up by eating intervals of every 2 hours. This can be something as simple as an apple or carrots and hummus, but you have to be consistently eating. Your body will soon adjust to catch up with calories it now has to burn when going through digestion. Eat, eat and eat! Only healthy things of course!
Practice Portion Control
Portion control is something we often put at bay and to the waste side. Be mindful of how much you’re eating and how you feel afterward. Don’t count on eyeing your food anymore. If you have to bring measuring cups to the family buffet, bring them!
Lastly, take time to let your food digest. When you complete a meal always wait 20 minutes after to feel how full you are before you even think about seconds or dessert. If you’re full, simply don’t do it.
I hope these tips help! Chime in what you’re doing to kick off your summer body goals below!
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.