 Heat no excuse to be a laggard
It's July in Phoenix and that means it's hot. It happens every year, it's not a surprise. It's also not an excuse to just sit under the fan complaining about the weather. Summertime comes with many opportunities for continuing weight loss. Here are just a few:
• Heat decreases your appetite. This is not the time of year we tend to long for large portions of comfort food. Grilling on the BBQ is a perfectly healthy cooking method for lean meats and veggies.
• Your desire to drink water is increased. This is a great time to get a jump start on your water consumption. Drop the sticky sweet sodas that only make you thirstier. Go for cold, clear, refreshing water.
• The stores are full of tasty, in-season fruit. Fill your fridge with easy-to-grab healthy treats. Cherries and grapes need just a simple rinse in a colander then you can place them in a bowl in the front of the fridge. If you have a bit of time to prepare, melons are very refreshing and extremely low in calories. Watch the ads and buy what's on sale this week. A tip: sale ads come Wednesday in The Arizona Republic, but you can also get them in the mail by calling The Republic at 602-444-8000.
• Gyms are air conditioned, but if that's not in your budget, most shopping malls open early for mall walkers and they are nice and cool to walk in. Grab a buddy or an mp3 player and go for it.
• Water activities are my favorite. Jog, paddle back and forth on a noodle, or involve the family in a game of volleyball, basketball or Marco Polo. Have fun with it and think activity, not exercise. It doesn't have to be boring or awful.
Bottom line: Life is going to happen. Parties, birthdays, vacations and Phoenix summer heat. There are no good reasons for avoiding healthy living, only excuses. |
