Five Nutrition Tips for a Healthy and Slimming Summer
Estella Hernandez, MD, MPH, Nutrimedicos
Published: June 11, 2012
Finally, the warm weather has arrived! With the warm weather comes barbecues, vacations, and many other celebrations. These are all events to look forward and enjoy but also might present as a means of risking weight gain if not careful with one’s food choices.
Use the following tips to stay healthy and keep your weight in control this summer.
- Limit sweet beverages of any kind. The heat might cause one to crave cold, sweet beverages but all the sugar in drinks are just empty calories! This includes pop, Gatorade, lemonade, juice and iced tea.
- Drink as much water as possible. Studies show that is someone is dehydrated you burn calories at a less rate.
- Always include a protein in your meal, whether animal or plant form. Protein helps keep you full longer, so go ahead and enjoy that piece of arrachera off the grill!
- Always include a veggie with your meal. Veggies are high in fiber and vitamins that can help with weight loss and appetite control. Bring a vegetable tray or salad to your next cookout or party. At least you can guarantee your serving of vegetables for that meal.
- There is nothing that spells summer like ice cream. But it is important to limit sweets and desserts even if they are labeled “fat-free”. These types of desserts still contain sugar that your body then converts into fat!
- Keep active! The hot weather might deter some people from going outside. Make sure you find an alternate activity if it is too hot to go outside. Buy an aerobic video or do resistance exercises at home with some small weights or bands.
Estella F. Hernandez MD, MPH
Weight loss physician at NutriMedicos
1719 W. 18th St., Chicago, Il 60608
www.nutrimedicos.com
Posted in Pilsen Community, Health
