The Oaks at Ojai
Short shorts. Revealing mid-drifts. Slinky dresses. Slim-fitting shirts. How about swimsuits? Almost seems like the fashion world is dead-set against us enjoying the luscious summer foods and really lazy days we've come to love.
Since summer doesn't officially arrive until the first week of July, at least in my book, there's time yet to trim down a bit and learn the skinny scoop on reducing the calories in the foods you love each and every season. Here are some tips.
*Be realistic. We're not all meant to have the figures of ballet dancers or TV icons. The "average" man or woman would be considered far too fat for any glossy magazine modeling job, but that doesn't mean we're really fat. Unless you are a fashion model, look at your body as a healthy machine. If you participate regularly in an aerobic workout such as brisk walking or single tennis, and when you pinch your waist, buttocks and upper arm find less than an inch of fat, you're probably at a fine body weight. Your mirror and energy level are good indicators too. But these are not scientific ways, so if you would like to lose some unwanted, talk with a nutritionist or your physician for a safe, common sense weight reduction plan.
Live to eat, not the reverse. Especially this summer as the temperatures heat up, it's a great time to switch to fresh fruits and vegetables as mealtime mainstays. There are lots of convenient, prepared and sliced fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator case at the supermarket that will help any rushed career person. You could save hundreds of calories between now and the 4th by simply using low-fat or no-fat dressing on salads, by switching to lean beef and skinless chicken, and choosing a peach, bowl of strawberries or banana over a handful of cookies or cake. Sounds easy? Well summer should be that way.
Always eat breakfast. A bran muffin, fruit and a chunk of low-fat cheese or yogurt are easy and will keep you packed with energy throughout the morning. Studies show that those who eat breakfast report less cravings for high fat, sugary snacks midmorning when everyone is going for donuts and Danish. The calorie savings? About that which equals a half hour brisk walk.
Squeeze in fitness. A Cornell University study, which I helped coordinate, found that even five minutes of exercise can increase endurance, flexibility and stamina. While the best way to achieve a higher fitness level is to participate in an aerobic exercise for 45-60 minutes five days a week, or more, the short spurts of exercise can motivate you to do more. Best ways to do that? There are stairs everywhere. Take them. Do it as quickly as you'll be safe and comfortable.
Push your weight around. Whether you do push ups, against a counter push-aways, or pushing away second helpings at mealtime, the little tricks you use can mean a big difference. But there's no quick diet or fitness fix, regardless of what TV commercial and some glossy magazine adds would like you to believe. You must consume less calories and increase your activity level to be trimmer and have more body tone.
Find some fun. That's right, plan a fun active outing with friends and family. Or book a long weekend at a health spa where there are plenty of fitness classes. It may take more than three days to get into those summery clothes, but a spa weekend could reaffirm your health goals and by August you could be flaunting your skinnier self with the best of them.
It takes tenacity and patience and determination to become healthier, but it's all worth it when you stay fit for life.
