Lose the Weight for Summer

Do you want to be in shape and feeling good this summer?

Do you want to be ready for the beach?

Get started now for a healthy summer. It is easy to procrastinate getting healthy when the weather is still feeling like we are in the depths of winter. Even with the chilly and rainy, or snowy, days it is a good time to start strengthening your body so it is ready for some spring cleansing. Getting your body energized will motivate you and get you excited about the warm weather to come.

Once you get the thoughts of sunshine and beaches in your mind you may also start thinking about your physical shape. Perhaps you were a bit dormant this winter, eating more and exercising less. Now don't feel guilty about this, guilt will only make you feel worse and actually cause you to gain weight. When you send out a feeling of stress to your body it releases cortisol which can cause weight gain. Guilt is a stress to your body.

Through the winter lack of light can contribute to a lowered immune system and a lowered thyroid. The thyroid gland is an important part of regulating metabolism. You may also find that during the winter you crave those comforting, starchy, sweet foods like bread, potatoes, pastries and cake, especially banana bread, right? This also has to do with the endocrine system (thyroid, adrenals and all your hormone producing glands) and the lack of light. Light stimulates the production of serotonin in your body. Serotonin is a hormone that helps to make you feel full and satisfied. You can go to the previous blog Lighten up and Brighten Up for more info on light and how it affects us.

So that's fine and all but you are probably wondering what you can do about this. Since winter is almost over let's start by supporting your body and the endocrine system, especially the thyroid and adrenals. Here is the first of several steps to take. I will add more steps several times in the next week so keep posted.

1. Increase energy and reduce stress with exercise. Start a regular exercise routine and stick with it. The more you do it the more you will be motivated to do it. Especially when you start to see and feel the results. Daily exercise will give you more energy and less stress. This doesn't mean you have to go full on and hike up a mountain like the Chief or do the Grouse grind every day. You Sea to Sky people know what I'm talking about. Too much exercise and too hard of exercise will do you more harm than good. Pick something that makes you feel good. This could be a 20 minute walk with friends or your dog and an i-pod. If you don't have a dog or an i-pod borrow a friends. Just get moving and start off slow if it has been awhile or if your doctor recommends it. If walking is too boring join a dance class, yoga or martial arts. Whatever makes your body move and your mind sing. Have fun!

If you want to get the support and guidance to lose the weight and be summer ready check this out http://www.ahealthierme.ca/system.htm

Happy thoughts and good eats!

Marissa