Spring into Shape!

Spring has sprung! It’s time to lose winter weight and get fit and toned so you’re ready to embrace that summer wardrobe. Take better care of yourself by making the most of the nice weather ahead.

Head outdoors. Turn off the TV, load on the sun block, and make a beeline for the front door. Pleasant weather and cheerful sunshine makes getting regular activity easy and enjoyable. Take a brisk walk around the block, play soccer or basketball with your kids, or find a local trail and go hiking. If you’re worried your motivation won’t last, recruit a few neighbors to form a walking club with you. When you’re accountable to others, you’re more likely to follow through.

Hydrate the right way. When the temperature starts to rise, so does your thirst level. Instead of guzzling soda, juice drinks, sweetened waters, or coffee shakes, expand your range of new low-cal or calorie-free beverage options. Water is the ultimate refresher and always your best bet, but there are plenty of other clean alternatives. Reach for iced coffee (add a splash of skim milk and/or 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar if you like) or calorie-free, naturally flavored seltzer waters. Brew some unsweetened iced tea using interesting, fruit-flavored varieties like black cherry, mixed berry, or pomegranate. Keep a pitcher of tea on hand at all times, and experiment with a new flavor every week to keep things fresh.

Veg out. The earth is waking up and the produce aisle is hopping again! Start dinner every night with a crisp, fresh salad made with seasonal lettuces and drizzled with low-cal dressing. Asparagus, one of the most iconic spring vegetables, tastes great grilled, roasted, and steamed. If you’re feeling creative, test out some new, healthy recipes that feature fennel, artichokes, peas, radishes, leeks, and other early harvest treats.

Get grilling. It’s time for the grill to come out of hibernation. Grilling is a low-fat, calorie-smart way to prepare meats and veggies. Marinate skinless chicken, salmon, fish, shrimp, tofu, or pork tenderloin medallions in a tasty sauce and toss them on the grate for a quick cook. As long as the grill is fired up, don’t miss out on an opportunity to multi-task your dinner menu. While your entrée is searing, toss on some zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers, or Portobello mushrooms for a simple vegetable side dish.

Call it a night. The days are getting longer, which means it takes even more stamina to fight the evening munchies. After dinner, put all of the leftovers away immediately (no picking!), and head outdoors for a walk or some reading time. Or, clear out of the kitchen and move to another room—putting some physical distance between yourself and food can keep snacking off your mind. If you start to get hungry, sip a mug of herbal tea or munch on a handful of baby carrots dipped in salsa.

For more tips on eating well and moving more year-round, visit my Healthy Living section!