LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dreading swimsuit
season? The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up — which means
you can't hide under that heavy winter clothing for much longer. With about six
weeks to go before the start of summer, now is the time to get started. Last
minute efforts often mean a lot of sacrifice and little payoff — but if you
start now, there's still time to safely shed some of that extra winter padding.
"The threat of a warmer climate and skimpier clothing sends
people into a ‘get slim quick' frenzy," says Samantha Clayton ,
director, fitness education at global nutrition company, Herbalife .
"But trying to lose more than one or two pounds a week isn't advisable, or
safe," she adds.
A two-pronged approach of diet and exercise is the way to get
results. But if you haven't worked out for a while, you'll want to take it slow
and steady. "If you jump into a fitness routine that's too difficult,
you're unlikely to sustain it," Clayton says.
The same holds true for diet. "Many people are in such a
hurry to drop weight that they cut their calories too far," notes Susan
Bowerman , MS, RD. "Not only can they not keep up with such a
strict plan," she adds, "they just don't have the energy to get
through their day, not to mention trying to get through a strenuous
workout."
Clayton and Bowerman agree that with careful attention to
‘calories in — calories out,' most people should be able to lose about a pound
a week. Here are six of their best tips to help you look your best when summer
arrives:
- Start right away.
Wishing and daydreaming about having a perfect body in time for summer is
not going to get you any closer to your goal. So get started today. If
it's been a while since you've been active, a simple walk or bike ride is
a perfect place to start.
- Prioritize the changes you want to make. Then, tackle the easier ones first. If skipping
breakfast is your problem, make a point to start the day with a healthy,
protein-rich meal that will keep hunger away until lunch. Try some cottage
cheese or yogurt with fruit; maybe a protein shake made with milk, protein
powder and fresh fruit; or a simple egg white omelet.
- Take it slow and steady. Jumping into a fitness routine that is too difficult
often backfires. If you take on too much, too soon, the resulting sore
muscles — or even injury - may derail your plans. Aiming for 30 minutes of
activity a day is a great starting point.
- Have a plan.
In order for your body to change, your workout must change as you adapt to
your new increased activity. As you get fitter and your workout seems
easier, you can increase your intensity or duration to push your body to
improve.
- Resist the temptation to weigh too often. Weight can fluctuate, so jumping on the scale every day
may not be the best indicator of your progress. Rather than focusing on
weight loss, pay attention to your other achievements — the ease of
lifting more weights, improvements in your diet, or the inches you're
losing around your waistline.
- Keep a log to stay motivated. Keeping track of what you eat and how much exercise
you get is one of the key components to successful weight loss. And do it
every day. Write it all down honestly, and give yourself a pat on the back
when you're good. But don't beat yourself up when you're not. Tomorrow is
another day.
"The truth is, there are no short cuts," says Clayton.
"You may not get a ‘six-pack' in six weeks," she notes, "but
wouldn't it feel great to drop a few pounds and feel more fit when summer
comes?"
Bowerman is a registered dietician and paid consultant for Herbalife .
Nutrition and fitness blogs can be read at www.discovergoodnutrition.com.
Nutrition and fitness blogs can be read at www.discovergoodnutrition.com.
About Herbalife Ltd.
