The Summer Diet – How to Lose Weight in the Summertime

Summer can be a difficult time to lose weight. Our schedules have changed, it's too hot to work out, and the kids are home, filling our cupboards with sugary snacks and drinks. But summer can also be the ideal time to thrive in your weight loss efforts. There's never a better time of year for fresh fruits and vegetables, and it's never too cold and icy to exercise! Here are 9 tips for keeping your weight loss efforts going during the summer months. 1. Just because your kids are home from school, that's no excuse to stock up on sugary drinks and snacks. These items aren't good for your kids, either. Stock only healthy snack foods in the house, and let the higher-calorie snacks be a treat that you enjoy only when you go out. 2. Get in the habit of drinking only water. Lots and lots of it! If you get bored with the plain stuff, add a slice of lemon or lime. Sodas, sweet teas, and fruit juices add lots of calories and sugar to our diet, especially during the summer months when we're hot and thirsty and ready to guzzle whatever is on hand. 3. Use your grill. Choose lean cuts of meat and marinate them in flavorful sauces. 4. Use fresh (not dried) herbs. When your meal is loaded with lots of zingy flavor from fresh herbs and spices, it will be easier to slow down, savor your food, and not eat so much. 5. Eat loads of fresh fruits and veggies – raw. Every summer evening, we have a large plate on the table with four or five different choices of fresh fruits and vegetables. No one leaves the dinner table until it's all polished off. 6. Even during the busy summer months, make dinnertime a special time, where everyone gathers together to share the meal. Turn off the television, don't answer the phone, and share your flavorful, summer meal – slowly and mindfully. 7. Keep working out. If it's too hot to exercise, try a different routine. If you love to hike, walk, run or bike outside, shift your schedule to work out during the cooler early morning or late evening hours. Or consider joining your local health club. Many have "school's out" specials for the summertime, which means you could get a special rate for just the summer months. 8. Try behavior modification techniques. Mike Brescia has a unique behavior modification series that you can get for a discount here http://www.momscape.com/thinkrightnow/reviews.htm and you can also download hypnosis mp3s to help with weight loss. In fact, you can download three free mp3s here, so you can decide whether you like this approach: http://www.susies-coupons.com/daily-picks/2012/05/03/3-free-hypnosis-audio-downloads/ In my opinion, every little bit of "brain training" helps. 9. If you need a little extra help in the summer, try a diet membership or meal plan – just to keep you on track during these crazy summer months. When you sign up for the 3 month plan of Weight Watchers Online, for example, you can actually get a savings of as much as 30% by using an online coupon.