10 Healthy Habits for a Slimmer Summer Body

SALEM, NH — Summer is the time of swimsuits, short dresses, and regular get-togethers with friends and family. It is also a time many people dread because the fifteen pounds they packed on during the winter months just won’t seem to go away.

Renew Fitness believes it is important to adopt daily lifestyle habits that can help battle the extra bulge and leave you feeling great.

Submitted by Dan French.

Here are 10 simple tips to keep you on track towards a slimmer summer body:

1. Plan meals ahead: Choose a day each week to sit down and plan what meals you’ll be having and when. This can help you lose weight by staying on track with your diet and also save money at the supermarket. Visit renewfitnessnh.com to download a free meal plan template.
2. Shop with a full belly: One of the worst things to do is shop when you are hungry. Plan your trip to the supermarket after you have eaten, this will ensure that you only purchase the items on your grocery list.
3. Eat at a table: When you park yourself on the couch in front of the television – you are unconsciously eating and less likely to think about how many calories you are consuming. Sit at a table to consume your meal and use the time to spend with your loved ones.
4. Watch portion sizes: Portion control is often the route of weight gain. Before sitting down to eat put any leftovers in the fridge immediately. You’ll be much less likely about going back for seconds
5. Avoid fad diets: Focusing on lean meats and veggies while tracking your calories is the best way to lose weight. There are hundreds of fad diets on the market, and although they may create results in the short term, they almost always result in weight gain. We call these yo-yo diets because they are nearly impossible to sustain for a long period of time. Your diet shouldn’t be filled with products that make any health claims, such as “Low Fat”, “Low Carb”, or “Low Sugar”. These items are often filled with preservatives that can negatively impact all of the hard work you have put into losing weight. Stay on track by tracking your food intake and focus on eating lean proteins and green vegetables.
6. Drink a gallon of water a day: Drinking enough water is vital during weight loss. When dehydrated, people are often confused into thinking they are actually hungry. Try drinking a glass of water before each meal; it will help curb your appetite. Quick Tip: Renew Fitness recommends tracking your water daily by using a 32-oz. water bottle and drinking a minimum of 4 of these bottles a day. Choose a water bottle with a straw; it is often easier to drink large amounts of water this way.
7. Go for a hike: Rockingham County has a lot to offer for hiking trails. Hiking is a great way to spend a day or evening burning calories and doing something fun without spending any money. When you have even more time, take a drive to the lakes region or White Mountains for a hike with some great scenery!
8. Get enough sleep: The average person needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Your body and mind need this time to re-energize and prepare for the day to come. On days you have to wake up early for work or other engagements, try going to bed early. Your body with thank you!
9. Think positive: You can do anything you set your mind to. Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine shouldn’t be considered a chore. When you get into the right frame of mind, the rest will follow. You cannot convince your body to do something that your mind doesn’t believe. Each day, try to list 5 positive things about yourself. These are called positive affirmations, they will help you look at life in a more positive light and make you want to continue to reach for your goals despite any setbacks you may face.
10. Hold yourself accountable: It is important to have a good support system in place. Renew Fitness can provide that support system for you, but we can’t be with you for every meal. What you eat in private you wear in public. So, be honest with yourself in what you eat and how you exercise.

Are you serious about your commitment to health?

Renew Fitness wants to see you progress into a stronger, healthier version of yourself. Currently, Renew Fitness is offering a 30-Day trial for only $59. Members are given the tools they need to change themselves for the better. In order to ensure ongoing, long-lasting results, personal training sessions are catered to you! At Renew Fitness, you can expect to tone muscle, lose weight, build endurance, increase flexibility, and understand the importance of providing proper fuel for the body.

For more information about Renew Fitness and our $59 30-day trial visit renewfitnessnh.com or call us at 603-458-6717

Caption: Karin Paoletti of Derry, left, and Stacie Swanson of Salem, pose after a challenging summer session at Renew Fitness.