If you’re one of many who have let your diet and exercise habits slip over winter, spring is a reminder that it’s time to focus on shedding some of that winter weight and get ready for summer.  Instead of jumping into a “difficult to sustain” rapid weight loss program, here are a few simple strategies you can incorporate now that are sustainable and will give you results in time for the warmer weather:

Reduce comfort foods

While it’s still chilly outside, you don’t have to stick with the comfort foods you’ve been loving for the past few months.  Cut some unwanted calories by replacing pasta with spaghetti squash or enjoy a cauliflower crust pizza, which is delicious and still comforting. 

Time to tone

If your exercise routine has become a little relaxed, now is time to get back at it.
Try hitting the gym a few times per week and remember, there are plenty of workouts you can do from home, which can also help you lean out and tone. 

Get outdoors

With the warmer spring weather, try moving your fitness activities outdoors.  Whether it’s walking, running or joining an outdoor boot camp, being outdoors will make you feel better and motivate you to burn more calories. 

Spring clean your cupboards

Getting back to the gym and finding ways to be active are important but your food choices are crucial.  Take a close look at what’s inside your cupboards and start tossing anything detrimental to your weight loss goals. Packaged cookies, processed goods, anything made from white flour and those bags of chips should go.  Replace them with healthier alternatives like almonds, homemade granola and kale chips.  

Focus on fresh

Now that the cupboards have been cleaned, let’s focus on the fridge. Stock up with fresh, colorful ingredients. Put the most nutritious foods at the front and less nutritious foods at the back making it easier for you to make smart decisions.

Log your food consumption

Logging what you eat can easily help you stay on track.  It increases awareness of your choices and will usually cause you to think twice before making an unhealthy choice. Most people will cut down their calories and will be smarter about what they eat, when they see it in writing. 

With summer sun just around the corner, don’t be lured into the latest and greatest diets for weight loss. 
Healthy, sustainable and manageable weight loss takes time and is a lifelong investment in your health and wellness.