Sitting on the beach and sipping margaritas may be more appealing to you right now than hitting the gym. Summertime often translates into weight gain, especially if you are packing your schedule with dinner and drinks on the patio. So in order to avoid the shock of putting your skinny jeans back on this fall, here are five ways to avoid those summer muffin tops.
1 -- Banish bloating
Hot and sweaty summers often translate into bloating. When you sweat, you lose potassium, which causes water retention and increased cellulite. So instead of grabbing salty snacks, chose high-potassium foods like: bananas, dried apricots, yogurt, fish, avocados... and of course plain old water (not the chemically-flavored stuff -- just plain old filtered tap water).
2. Get naked!
According to the author of The Hormone Diet, when your body is cold it burns extra calories trying to warm up. So naturopathic Dr. Natasha Turner says you should sleep in the buff and turn up the AC. It may also lead to extra romance in the bedroom... which is said to burn about 100 calories (equivalent of one cafe latte or five chocolate-covered strawberries).
3. Unplug
Put away your cellphone, laptop and turn off the Netflix. Lay outside and get some vitamin D. Resist the need to schedule each and every moment of your life, simply relax and sleep in. This is truly one of the best ways to lose those extra pounds. When you are stressed, your cortisol levels rise, which makes your body hold onto fat -- especially belly fat.
4. Low-fat Vacations
Many hotels and resorts are now offering yoga and group fitness classes. This is a great opportunity to workout while you are on vacation. So when you are choosing your vacation spot, chose the one that will keep you looking hawt in that string bikini.
5. Suck it in and squeeze
Stand straight, inhale and use your stomach muscles to pull your belly button in (towards your spine). Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat. It will help tone your tummy and improve your posture. Squeeze those glutes -- engage muscles for three breaths and release. Increase the squeeze time and you can say goodbye to that pancake tush. Incorporate squats into your daily regime, try squatting as you pick up your toddler or put the groceries away. Try 5 to 10 squats per day and then build up to 100 . You will look amazing in those skinny jeans and yoga pants!