Cruel Summer

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner and it will soon be time for barbecues, day trips and vacations, oh my! Summer tends to be one of the most challenging times of the year to stay disciplined with workouts and diet regimens. After all, we all want to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation and take advantage of the seasonal goodies we look forward to. The goal is to find a balance between enjoying the food and leisure activities while maintaining some semblance of a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Here are 5 tips to help you stay on track:

1.) Decide In Advance. When attending barbecues, parties or any gathering where there will be abundant food and drink use the “decide in advance” strategy. Simply decide in advance how many beers, hamburgers or hot dogs you will indulge in. Once you have decided, discipline yourself to stick to your plan.

2.) Don’t Take Summer Off. Reducing your level of physical activity and increasing your intake of high calorie, fatty foods is a recipe for rapid weight gain. Be sure to maintain your level of physical activity throughout the summer. Keep in mind it is a hop, skip and a jump from September to the “holiday season” and it can be a real challenge to get back on track after Labor Day rolls around.

3.) Modify Your Workouts. Sometimes it is necessary to modify your workout routine in the summer. It is not advisable to go for an extended run when it is 100 degrees outside. Consider joining an air conditioned gym or exercise facility so you can continue to work out safely. Many facilities now offer short term summer memberships that you can take advantage of. You can also move your outdoor training to later in the day when it is not as hot out.

4.) Don’t Go Overboard. Enjoy yourself this summer, but don’t go completely overboard when indulging in junk food. Have one scoop of ice cream instead of two and order the small size tub of boardwalk fries. Often times you will find that your eyes are larger than your stomach and a smaller size treat will satisfy your craving.

5.) Drink Water. Avoid sugary drinks which contain empty calories and do a poor job of quenching thirst. Opt for water instead, which will keep you properly hydrated. Also, drinking water during and soon after alcohol consumption may reduce the level of dehydrating effects of alcoholic drinks.

Remember, with just a little planning and self-discipline, you can maintain a nice balance between summer fun and healthy living!