With the weather warming up and pandemic restrictions easing, a lot of us are hoping to get out and about a bit more this summer. Whether it’s hitting the beach, enjoying picnics in the park, or having a staycation somewhere pretty, you probably want to make the most of the summer holidays with the kids. However, after a year or more of being mostly stuck in the house, which might also mean you’re hoping to shed a few pounds before getting back into that bikini! If so, here are some top tips to help you out.

Set SMART goals

Whenever you want to achieve anything – be it career success, passing an exam, or losing weight – it’s important to have goals. Not just any goals will do, though. For example, ‘lose weight’ is too vague to be helpful. So instead, think about setting yourself some SMART goals. These are:

  • Specific – they give you a narrow and precise idea of what you want to achieve (for example, to lose two pounds)
  • Measurable – you can track the progress you’re making (for example, going to a spin class twice a week)
  • Achievable – the goal is realistic (unlike, for example, losing five stone in a week!)
  • Relevant – your short-term goals should align with your future aspirations and long-term goals.
  • Time-based – you should have some sort of deadline or timeframe in mind for each of your goals (for example, to lose two pounds in two weeks)

Exercise is key

By now, we all know how important exercise is for both our overall health and, more specifically, for losing weight. As an added bonus, it’s also a great mood booster! The NHS recommends doing something active every single day and around 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week (or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise). This might sound intimidating, but remember, it doesn’t have to be running or lifting weights at the gym. The key is to find an active hobby that you enjoy, so it doesn’t feel like a chore, and you look forward to doing it. This could be anything from long walks in the countryside to dance classes, yoga, or martial arts. Give a few different activities a try, and you’re sure to find one that you love!

Focus on food

‘Diet’ can be a scary word, especially with so many different complicated ones such as keto and paleo out there. The good news is that you don’t need to follow a complex food plan to lose weight. What’s important is to moderate your calorie intake so that you’re not eating too much, and then make sure that what you are eating is healthy and balanced. For example, focus on including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, as well as legumes and whole grains. Meanwhile, cut down on sugary snacks, overly salty food, and processed meat. Following a simple diet like this won’t cause dramatic weight loss, but it will be healthier and more sustainable in the long term. Remember, if you’re looking for more instantaneous results, you could always consider a procedure such as Vaser Lipo from a professional facility like Hans Place Practice.

Liquid calories count

Diets often tend to focus on food but thinking about what you drink is important as well. Most importantly, try and eliminate sugary fizzy drinks as much as possible. Instead, opt for sparkling water (including those with natural flavouring), green tea (or herbal varieties), and of course, good old plain water. You should aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day, which you can always jazz up by adding lemon, lime, cucumber, or other similar infusions. Alcohol is another type of drink you should try to cut down on, both for health purposes and losing weight.

Motivation, motivation, motivation

When it comes to achieving anything in our lives, motivation is vital. Without it, you’ll soon find yourself giving in to temptation! There are many different ways to motivate yourself to lose weight, for example:

  • Have a clear reason why you want to lose weight, which you can remind yourself of when it gets tough.
  • Have a series of small goals you can achieve on your way to completing your long-term goal.
  • Celebrate your successes – even the little ones.
  • Tell your friends and family about your weight loss so they can support you – and hold you accountable.
  • Don’t be a perfectionist or have an ‘all or nothing’ mindset. We all slip up sometimes, and the occasional treat is ok!
  • Find a relatable role model you can emulate.
  • Always strive to maintain a positive attitude!