The Summer Weight Gain Struggle
By Laura Kelly-Pifer
We’re already mid way through June and many of us are heading out on vacations, we’re seeing friends and loved ones at parties, reunions, weddings and other celebrations. I know for me, summer marks an incredible time to be close with my family and do things that we wouldn’t be able to do the rest of the year. I hope that the same goes for you; that you’re enjoying yourself and having fun and living life to the fullest. But, there is something that I must share with you that saddens me about summer….did you know that the average person gains 8 lbs while on vacation? It’s true. Take multiple vacations over the summer or a celebration of some sort each weekend, and you may be looking at even more weight gain. But here’s the thing…You aren’t the only the one. It happens to a lot of us. Too many vacations, too much good food, too much fun leads to weight gain for many of us.
Many of us beat ourselves up over it but we shouldn’t. Things happen but you can do one of two things. 1) Chose to do something about it or 2) Stay stuck. Know I know at times, it might be hard to fathom that it is possible to lose weight (or maintain) during the summer but it’s totally possible when you decide to FOCUS on these 3 easy steps.
Step 1 Fitness: If you’re new to exercise, start slow. Summer offers many great outdoorsy type activities that you can enjoy: walking, hiking, biking, roller blending and swimming to name a few. Remember to pick something that will challenge you and then workout consistently for 5-6x/week. Just as with anything new, be patient and keep working out even if you aren’t seeing results right away. Everything takes time.
Step 2 Nutrition: You are what you eat. It’s as simple as that. I don’t know about you but when I eat healthier, I feel better. Not only do I feel better but I’m not “sluggish”, bloated and my skin looks better as well as I’m able to maintain my 20 lbs weight loss. If you aren’t sure how to begin to eat healthy, I suggest that you take a look at our Summer Shape Up to get you moving in the right direction. There is so much information out there in cyber world and on the TV that it can be confusing on what or how you should eat. My meal plan is based on healthy, simple, affordable eating.
Step 3 Support: This is probably my most favorite out of the three steps simply because without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Here’s why: With Step 1, you don’t see results right away and it’s easy to get frustrated and quit. With Step 2, it can be difficult when you know that you should eat that apple, but you are thinking about the ice cream that you bought for the kids. With Step 3, the Support you have or don’t have can make or break you. With it, you can face your fears and have others rooting for you Without it, it becomes very easy to simply accept your summer weight gain as is and give in. Do this year after year and you can see how it’s easy to find yourself 20, 30, 50, or even 100 lbs overweight.
In short, if you’re ready to take back control this summer, get ready and DO something about it. Get yourself moving with a fitness program, be sure that your nutrition is on point, and have a support system behind you all the way. If you feel like you don’t have one of the steps and aren’t sure where to start, please reach out to me. I’d be honored to help point you in the right direction.
Wishing you good health!
Laura
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Laura Kelly-Pifer is a Fitness Coach who strives to help others by giving hope and support to those that are dissatisfied with their current situation. Whether you are lacking physically, emotionally, financially, or nutritionally she is here to help you see REAL RESULTS!