Summer should be a time for fun and relaxation.  With longer days and warmer weather, there is more time to do the things you want to do.  However, with summer can come an increase in “cheat days” on your weight loss journey. One or two is fine, but too many could curtail all the progress you have currently made.  It can be difficult to stick to a weight loss plan in the summer months, but losing weight is not impossible. At the Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, we want you to remain healthy. We can give you some tips to continue to lose weight in the hottest season.

 

Summer Weight Gain

Summer may be the easiest season to gain unwanted pounds.  This tends to go hand-in-hand with all the things that take place during these months.  One of the biggest reasons is the increase in alcoholic beverages. The nice weather can call for lots of parties and calorie-filled alcoholic beverages.  Whether it be beer or fruit-flavored seasonal drinks, having too good of a time can lead to an expanding waist. Barbeques and concerts are also huge during the summer, but sometimes we can forget that calories still count at those events.  From hamburgers and hot dogs to a wide array of sweets, if you aren’t watching how much you consume, your favorite clothing items may begin to get a bit snug.

 

Tips for Weight Loss

While it may not be the easiest thing to do, summer weight loss is possible.  Here are some tips that can help:

  • Cut back on alcoholic beverages, especially flavored ones
  • Eat more high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables to suppress hunger
  • Don’t drink too much fruit juice
  • Control your portions
  • Find time to exercise

 

Why Should You Care

While gaining a few extra pounds may not seem like a huge deal, it is not something you should just shrug off.  There are risks that come with putting on weight. Too much weight gain can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.  It can also lead to the development of depression. Summer is meant for good times, but make sure you don’t put yourself in harm’s way for certain health conditions.

Sometimes, you work so hard on weight loss only to put the pounds you shed back on.  This can be demoralizing, and it has the potential to derail your whole journey. The summer can be a huge cause of this for many people, but it doesn’t have to happen to you.  At ICCLI, we can offer tips and advice to make sure you have a fun-filled and most importantly healthy summer. Make sure to call us to learn more.