Summer is a perfect time to catch up with friends, lounge around and indulge in cold sweet treats. The days are longer, work schedules are more relaxed and we tend to feel more spontaneous. Having fun doesn’t mean we can’t keep our sexy summer bodies intact.
Here are 5 ways to beat the social bulge without too much compromise:
1) Sit outside, watch the sunset and enjoy a warm night.
Instead of meeting up with friends for sunset cocktails and a full meal…
(note: the reason why people eat more after consuming alcohol is due to the fact that most sweet drinks contain tons of carbs! This causes a quick rise in blood sugar which then releases a large amount of insulin and causes the blood sugar to go into the cells. The resulting insulin makes your blood sugar low which in turn stimulates your hunger receptors to help raise back your blood sugar to normal levels.)
…try sharing light appetizers and start with iced tea. My personal favorites are iced mint tea or green tea with a delicious shrimp cocktail or grilled artichoke. If you sit for at least 20 minutes- you are more likely to feel full and not want to eat a giant meal later.
Most salons stay open later in the summer. Instead of meeting up with friends for a meal- make an appointment to get your nails done. Ask for two chairs next to one another so that you can still have time to chat with your girlfriend while getting your treatments. And because it’s the summer and I love to have some color, my best friend and I go every two weeks for a fresh spray tan. You’ll look and feel great- and no unnecessary calories or additional snacking involved!
3) A classic summer evening walk or bike ride.
This is one to do with friends, loved ones, pets or by yourself. A summer evening walk is a rare treat that only happens a few times a year. You won’t even think about the calories that you are burning, and if you are in the right place, pack a picnic basket- with light treats. Here are some suggestions:
What to pack for a summer picnic:
-sliced fruit (apples, pears) and berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
-raw almonds
-fresh veggies: cucumber slices, baby carrots, grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers both green and red, snow peas and celery (use fat free plain yogurt to mix your dips and try to avoid mayo and sour cream)
-grilled chicken or slices of fresh turkey meat with low fat cheese and a bit of mustard
4) Go to a museum or special movie screening.
Most cities and towns have outdoor summer movie screenings, concerts or plays in the park and summer museum events. This is another opportunity for a salad or on the go or picnic. This is also a great place to meet a potential summer romance!
5) Out door grilling with friends.
Keep your theme light. Light beer, fish, veggies, turkey burgers, salads, and frozen yogurt for dessert won’t weigh you down in the moment or the next day. Throw in some good music and burn some more cals strutting your stuff.
Go ahead and enjoy your summer! Bring along some friends and instead of meeting for a meal- go on an adventure! Any of these options is going to save you an average of 300-700 calories per night. That adds up to quite a few pounds in no time.
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