It’s officially fall! That time of year when you finally get to snuggle up in your favorite sweaters and start loading up on pumpkin spice. Yes, winter is around the corner, and that usually means you’ll be packing on the hibernation pounds. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Summer is the time for clean eating and beach bod motivation. Why can’t we carry that throughout the year too? Here are 5 easy steps to help you maintain that cut summer look while still enjoying the fall feels.
1. Start Eating Clean
Clean eating is not all the “boring” it’s cracked up to be. Eating clean means only allowing yourself to consume foods that are all-natural, not overly processed, and contain as few ingredients as possible. Now, that’s not to say that you should only be eating chicken and vegetables; it’s how you prepare them that makes the difference.
There’s nothing wrong with a homemade taco salad with ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, quinoa or brown rice, shredded cheese and salsa. Or a turkey sandwich with tomato, spinach, and avocado on wheat toast. How about pineapple barbecue meatballs with cilantro brown rice on the side?
Cooking at home is the best way to start eating clean. You can put yourself in charge of your grocery list and the way you prepare you meals. Try using less fatty oils and sprays and switching to meats with less fat content. Always opt for the low sodium or fat free choices when it comes to cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy products. Try going for whole grain pastas and breads rather that the traditional white, processed versions. Don’t deprive yourself of the flavors and foods you that you love, just be mindful of the choices you make with the options that you have.
2. Allow Yourself a Cheat Day (Or 2)
Being on a strict diet only allows sweets and cheat foods to be more enticing. When we find ourselves eating all of the fruits and vegetables in the world, we are immediately vulnerable to all temptations. We deprive ourselves of all foods we think to be bad, and the second we give into that chocolate peanut butter pie at the family party, we completely fall off the wagon and have to mentally recollect ourselves to start all over again.
Why should we have to put ourselves in that position? By allowing yourself a treat either once a day or allotting one day per week to be a cheat day, your taste buds are getting the satisfaction they need while your body is still maintaining the regular eating habits you need to remain healthy. Have a few low fat oreos with some tea at night, or enjoy yourself at your cousin’s engagement party. Don’t let life stand in the way of your cravings! Just try to keep them to a minimum.
3. Keep Your Body Fueled
One of the worst misconceptions we have about losing weight is that we need to cut back on calories and end up not eating at all. Even if you are not one who has an intense workout plan ahead, your body needs energy to power your daily activity. It is important to keep your body fueled to keep you energized and moving throughout the day.
Your body also needs certain vitamins and nutrients to properly break down the food you do take in to make sure it doesn’t all turn into the yucky fat you’re trying to get rid of. Be sure to eat all three meals each day. When you skip meals, your body goes into starvation mode and starts harvesting all calories you intake and distributing them where necessary. Unfortunately for you, that might mean in the pooch or thighs that you’re actually trying to slim down rather than build up. Snacking throughout the day is also suggested. Your body should be fed every 2 to 4 hours. This is not to say that you should be eating full meals every time you put food into your mouth. You should, however, eat smaller quantities for breakfast, lunch and dinner so when you do eat a healthy snack, you’re not eating just for the sake of it, rather because your body is asking for the nutrition.
Water is also key to maintaining energy. It is important to be sure that you are drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day or up to 100 if you are planning to include more exercise in your routine.
4. Find a Hobby
You don’t need pay $50 a month to go to the gym down the street that has all of the possible amenities and classes because you think it’s going to make you healthy. The money you spend may be a minor motivation to workout, but if you don’t have the inspiration and desire to do it, you’ll find yourself off the wagon and with a massive hole in your pocket. It may take a little time, effort, and a few extra dollars to find out what works for you, but it is important to make sure that you love the exercise that you do so it feels less like a chore and more like a part of living a happier and healthier life.
Are you the yoga type? More of a kickboxing gal? How about the latest spin trend? Do a little research and find out what classes and gyms are available in your area. Most studios have a discount for new members. Why not take advantage and try out a little of everything until you find your niche? Once you figure out what works for you, there are almost always great Groupons for packages that will keep you going to your favorite exercise on a budget!
5. Document Your Life
It sounds silly and is definitely challenging, but do your best to keep a log everything that you eat and do on a daily basis. The more you put down in words, the more aware you will be of what you are putting into your body and what you are getting rid of. This doesn’t mean you have to necessarily be calorie counting, but if you are dedicated to documenting everything you eat, you may be less inclined to eat that third slice of pizza when your body says “no” but your taste buds say “yes.” When you are at the gym or go for walk, you will find yourself excited to jot down every bit of exercise you do s you can “earn” more eating points.
There are tons of apps and books out there with specific meal, snack, and water intake sections as well as workout sections to make your daily recording much easier. However, a regular journal works just as well. See apps like My Fitness Pal, Under Armor Workout, or even the FitBit app to start tracking your food and activity.
