Get your body spring and summer-ready with these weight loss tips

Written by - Posted on

Summer will be here before we know it, and if you?re looking to shed a few pounds and have a beach-ready body, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Tone your muscles, train your heart: Research has shown that the ability to lose weight is directly related to a person?s muscle mass. The more muscle mass you have, the more fat you burn. Implement a strength-training program and supplement the program with aerobics and flexibility exercises to get the maximum benefit from your physical efforts.
  • Rev up your metabolism: Metabolism plays a vital part in weight loss. By keeping a close watch on your caloric intake and the amount of calories you burn each day, you can help maintain that perfect metabolic balance. Other natural calorie burners that have been clinically proven to boost metabolism are green tea, red pepper, garlic and ginger. Incorporate these ingredients into your diet and they?ll do wonders.
  • Program yourself for success: Because self-esteem is so strongly related to body image and our society?s perception of what is attractive, it is often our own attitudes that cause a weight loss program to fail. You can reverse this self-defeating trend by taking steps to build your self-esteem now. Create a positive goal statement, keep a personal success journal, and fuel your progress with positive affirmations. A healthy mental attitude will lead to a healthy body.
  • Blood sugar balancing: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels throughout the day are the root cause of cravings and energy slumps, and exacerbate the production of fattening hormones. Nighttime blood sugar dips can interfere with sleep. Maintaining even blood sugar levels makes it much easier to lose stubborn abdominal fat

To maintain even blood sugar levels, avoid high-glycemic index foods such as sugar, white flour, pop, juice and other sugary drinks. Eat regular meals (try to include protein, lots of fiber and a little fat in each one) and don?t skip breakfast! It sets the tone for your entire day. It may also help to take a soluble fiber complex such as PGX, which may help stabilize blood sugar and help you feel fuller.