Carpe Solem (Seize the Sun)!
Have you been telling yourself for ages to get off that couch and get in shape?
You just never seem to get around to it but instead almost give yourself a scare attack when peeling off the layers of winter clothing somewhere in April
Winter puts a high toll on your body and state of mind. It is natural to be more tired and you also need more energy (so more food!), however it seems like you have less stamina to get out there and move when it gets dark as soon as 5 ‘o clock hits.
This summer it is time to get inspired! Winter is over and you should not lock yourself in a gym as punishment for all those snacks you had last Christmas. Chances are good you’ll go once, and then rebel against your own rigid schedule.
There are much better ways to get in shape, and to make the best of them you have to take advantage of what nature is offering you: the sun. Not only does summer lift everyone’s spirits, it offers endless opportunities to peal away those winter coats and reveal the fabulous body underneath!
I promise that following these simple tips by mid-summer you will feel energized, slimmer and happier without ever setting foot in a gym.
Slide away!
Dust off your rollerblades, get some friends together (or go solo) and go for a long skate. Make sure to take plenty of water or yummy fruit juices (stay away from sodas and caffeine drinks since they actually dehydrate you). Don’t forget snacks, like apples, melon or crackers for on the way. If you are hungry or thirsty it sucks the fun out of any event and you’ll end up packing those blades in the closet for the rest of the summer.
Pet time
If you have a dog, consider some bonding time between you and your wet-nosed friend. Put some shades on, pack a good sun block and a pick-nick lunch and go for a really really long walk. Not only does walking benefit your heart, you will also work out more muscles than you imagine and you will get a more even tan than by lazing in the grass. If you are actively moving around the sun hits every spot of your skin (make sure you have a good sun block on, you don’t want to get burned!) and spreads an even tan. Make sure not to be out in the sun from noon to 4pm. Then the sun is at its strongest and most damaging increasing the risk of skin cancer and sun allergy. Always wear a good sun block, but especially if you are fair skinned or burn easily.
Summer food
Have a fruit salad for lunch instead of high calorie baked goods. Cut up some fruits in the morning (make sure it is fresh) and don’t add sugar. Fruit on its own has plenty of sugars and you should not need any extra. Put your melon, grapes, apples and oranges in a big bowl and toss in a little bit of fruit juice. You can experiment with different kinds of juices, fruits or even soda so your salad never grows boring. If you want to go ultra low calorie just add a little bit of water instead. If you are more exotic, try adding some 7Up, club soda or Dr. Pepper for a different flavor. Don’t worry about the calories; half a cup with all that fruit is not going to pack on the pounds.
It is ok to have ice-cream from time to time, but don’t overdo it. Try to substitute it as much as possible with popsicles, they have less hidden fats and are more refreshing. Consider putting some fruit and ice cubes in a blender and making your own low-sugar smoothie!
Be hydrated!
Drink lots of water! If you are active, and even if you are not, in the sun you loose a lot more fluids than you might expect. It is really important to stay hydrated, not only will it benefit your skin but if you don’t drink enough your body will actually retain water and you will bloat up like a water balloon.
The secret to drinking more is to keep a little bottle of water with you at all times, at some point you will notice it is empty and you don’t even remember drinking it.
Put a bottle next to you when you are sitting outside or doing work. It will turn into a habit.
If you feel your skin dries out a lot, don’t only hydrate generously with a good cream, but also put some mineral water in a spray bottle (an empty body mist bottle will often do the trick, in most cases you can open it up and refill it) and spray your skin from time to time. If you are wearing make-up make sure that your humidifier sprays a very thin mist so that your make-up doesn’t sag to your neck.
