Summertime weight loss

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By Kyle Walker

Here we are. With less than a month away from summer, and suddenly, that goal you made at New Year’s has already changed drastically.

It started out as a determination to get a nice toned stomach for the summer, or something along those lines. With countless nights of drinking and eating God knows what, that goal has been altered to a hopeful wish for a flat, decent looking stomach.

You should have listened to me months ago when I told you to make fitness a lifestyle, and you would not have found yourself in this predicament. Well, I am not here to verbally abuse you, but simply offer up some advice.

First thing’s first; if you want that “beach bod” then slow down on the eating out and drinking the next few months. Not only will cutting back save you some cash, but you will save some calories as well.

People tend to overeat much more when they go out rather than when they cook at home. As far as drinking goes, alcohol slows down your metabolism. Not to mention, you probably don’t need to slaughter your immune system with finals approaching.

Another thing to consider is getting in more exercise. The next few weeks are going to be perfect for outdoor activities. With the weather being not too hot or cold, go for a scenic jog or gather up some friends and get a game of basketball or volleyball going.

Once you get the diet and the exercise portions of your life in check, there is one important thing you need to keep in mind. Don’t overdue it.

I know I have the words “Weight Loss” in the title, but that isn’t really what you are looking for. What you really want is “Fat Loss.” The last thing you want to do is stress out your body with a severe calorie deficit or overexerting yourself.

Eating too little will cause your body to burn more muscle than you would like. Even if you don’t desire to be muscular, muscle is still a very important part of your body fat percentage.

To get lean, all you want to lower is the percent of fat you have on your body. Losing 10 pounds but staying at the same percentage won’t change how you look that much.

Also, don’t get too hung up on the scale, the mirror is a better friend. Take a laxative and the scale will tell you that you lost weight but you aren’t going to look any different, so don’t waste your time.

These are just a few tips to keep you from freaking out in the upcoming weeks. However, you will see the real results when you make a healthy diet and an active lifestyle a part of your everyday life.

I know a crash diet is looking good right about now, but in the long term these are rarely beneficial, so do your best to avoid them.

Originally Published: Issue 605 - April 23, 2008

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