Summer's coming and you want to look and feel your best. Summer fashions are obviously a lot more revealing — not to mention bikinis, which by definition do not leave much to the imagination. But before you jump into some trendy "diet" stop and think… do you want to yo-yo with the seasons, or do you want to make some changes that will have you looking and feeling good beyond the summer?
Maintaining a healthy body weight and being fit and toned can be simple; eat moderately, don't overly deprive yourself (it can lead to binging), and burn more calories than you consume. That also means exercise but we'll get to that later. For now, let's focus on what you eat..
The first step to better eating habits is to figure out where you are going wrong. If you're not already doing so, keep a journal of everything you eat and drink – everyday. Soon you'll be able to see just where your weak points are. Are you a late night snacker? Is portion control your issue? Perhaps you drink more calories than you realize. Once you identify where you are making some nutritional mistakes, it will be easier to correct them.
Get familiar with the good old food pyramid. Most of your nutrition should come from whole grains and fruits and vegetables, which are always plentiful in summer. A smaller amount of your diet should be comprised of protein and the very least amount from fats and sugars. Fats and sugars are added in so many places that you wouldn't expect, so there's almost never a need to add them in yourself; you get them without even trying. If you are trying to lose weight, choose foods that have high nutritional value and are lower fats and calories but also fill you up. Lots of veggies are great for helping you feel full while packing a big nutritional punch.