Well. we have been talking about getting in shape for summer for quite some time now. Guess what guys? It’s HERE!! YESSSS. As you well know by now, summer makes me the happiest human alive. I LOVE it. Sunshine. Warmth. The outdoors. Yes, yes, and yes. However, now that summer has so quickly come upon us, have you found yourself wondering why you still haven’t gotten into the summer shape you’ve been planning on? If this is the case, the following tips may help get you back on track…not just for the summer, but forever. 
- Get into seasonal produce. – There is nothing like garden fresh produce. There just isn’t. If eating your fruits and veggies is a struggle for you, trying some local, fresh produce may help. I mean is there really anything better than fresh, flavorful, right-off-the-vine tomatoes? NO.
- Exercise in the morning. – Summertime gets busy. There are always a lot of activities going on. Summertime also gets toasty. As the day gets busier and hotter, you are less likely to want to get your sweat on. If you plan on getting your workout in and over with first thing, you won’t have to worry about it the rest of the day. If you can make this a lifetime habit, you will benefit HUGELY from doing so. Promise.
- Make your workouts quick and worthwhile. – You are busy. I know. Guess what? So is everyone else. Use the precious time you do have effectively. If you don’t know how to do this, seek the help of a professional who does. Info on the resources I offer are HERE.
- Cut out the crap. – Stop with all the snacking. It’s not helping you. I know that summer can be full of poolside snacks, movie snacks, picnic snacks, and late-night snacks, and they are all great and wonderful. Except they’re not. If you are trying to attain some health and fitness goals, cut out the crap.
- Make your summer an active one. – One of the best things you can do to get in shape is to move more. One of the best ways to do this is to make moving more fun! Get your family involved. Go hiking, take bike rides, go on walks, explore your city, go to the pool, make a bucket list or copy mine. 🙂
- Drink lots of water. – Water helps to keep you hydrated and happy. It also helps to keep you keep you feeling full, and in the summer it can be so refreshing. Keep water on hand at all times!
- Plan your {simple} meals in advance. – It can be hard to get excited about cooking in the summer when it’s toasty and busy. SO, plan your week ahead of time. Think of simple meals that require little cooking and prep. Use the grill. Throw together some easy salads. Use your crock pot. Take the family on a picnic.
- Check your sugar intake. – The ice cream, frozen yogurt, slurpees, shaved ice, and smoothies seem to sound good all the time when it’s hot out. However, if you are wanting to slim down, these items all contain a LOT of sugar. You may want to track your sugar intake to determine if you are over doing it. Try not to exceed 30 grams per day. I think sugar is the KEY element to improving your physique. Want more info about sugar? Read HERE.
- Sign up for some races. – Need some motivation to exercise? Sign up for a family fun run, 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, relay, or heck…even a marathon or triathlon. This will help you to have a goal to work towards, and will keep you exercising.
- Stop making excuses. – Like I said before, summer is here. So, now is the time to stop saying you will “get in shape for summer” and just get in shape. You CAN do it. It IS possible. Yep, it’s going to take some work and some discipline. Yeah, it might be kinda tough at times. First and foremost, it’s going to take you just starting. There is always a reason not to. There is always a vacation, a family event, a holiday, a season change, a sale on your favorite candy, and a neighbor dropping off treats on your doorstep. Instead of finding excuses, find solutions. MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Happy Summer. 🙂