Summer’s coming. Maybe you’ve booked a holiday. The beach is calling, and so are your favourite boardies. So, what are you going to do about those spare kilos that crept up on you over winter? Ignore them and hope they’ll go away? Not going to happen. The good news is you don’t have to change your life, just make a few simple tweaks to get on top of the winter bloat and get back to feeling good.
Move more
If that sounds ridiculously simple, that’s because it is. Just moving your body more every day is incidental exercise – and it all counts as energy burned. Leave the car at home and cycle to work. Or get off the train a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. Step up your workout, even by 15 minutes a day and try to vary the type of exercise you do. If you’re a weights guy, add in some cardio and vice versa. It’s a fact that our bodies get used to doing the same exercise, so surprising it with new moves or a different activity will kick your metabolism into gear and stop you from getting bored, too.
Beat the snack attack
When the 3pm workday slump hits, don’t self-sabotage and hit up the office vending machine. Keep some healthy, satisfying snacks on hand, like a banana or a handful of almonds, or have a satisfying protein shake like FatBlaster Keto Fit Protein to stave off sweet cravings and keep you going until dinner time.
Don’t mistake thirst for hunger
When you’re thirsty, your brain sends out the same signals as hunger, so don’t confuse the two. Water is a great stomach filler, so keep a water bottle handy and refill it throughout the day. If you work outdoors, make sure you’re drinking at least 2.5 litres of cool water a day to help regulate your core body temperature and stay well hydrated, even more in hot weather. Thermos hydration bottles have an insulated design that keeps water cool for up to 14 hours, so they’re a great choice to take to the gym, too.
Sleep it off
Numerous studies have shown there’s a link between insufficient sleep and weight gain. By setting yourself a regular bedtime and wake-up time, and a ‘healthy’ sleep routine, you can set yourself up for success. That means turning off devices before you hop into bed and keeping your bedroom as a place to unwind and relax. You’ll find you sleep better, wake up feeling fresher and your body will thank you for it.