Secrets of Success

POWER IN NUMBERS!!

I recently went on my FB and sent out a message looking for people to exercise with for five days a week after my work-out buddy and i developed conflicting schedules. To my surprise so many people were looking for the same thing. I find myself wanting to do even more so now I am exercising at home on my bike watching an hour long t.v. show first thing in the morning before I leave with a friend to where ever. Its great I'm able to be more motivated and its creating a lil club of our own!!

Berries in the Summer

I become a junkie for blueberries and blackberries in the summer and my berry obsession almost completely replaces salty snacks in the winter. Also, in season and affordable!

Avoid Heat Stroke

Be careful when exercising during the middle of the day.
Know the symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and take precautions.
Aim to exercise early (first thing) before it gets hot
or wait until evening when the temperatures have cooled down.
Or plan an alternative activity indoors or in a pool.

Sittin' with my feet on an ice pack...

As I'm winding down for the night on these hot summer days (and believe me, my apartment is a freakin' terrarium!!), I've taken to sitting with my feet on an ice pack -- especially after I've worked out. It feels pretty darn good, and lessens the swelling and discomfort of icky post-exercise feet. :)

Cool shower after a workout = MMMMM!

At the risk of sounding disgusting: I'm a late-night exerciser, and it's been common for me to come home after working out and just towel off without showering, and then go to bed. (I'm single, I live alone...who'd know?) However, in this summer heat, I realized that it feels so delicious to come home after exercise and jump in a cool shower! It's like hitting the swimming pool! So now that's one of my rewards after the gym - very motivating! (And much more hygienic.)

Invest in a garden!

My grandparents plant a garden every year. This year for the first time I will be helping and planting somethings of my own. It will 1)Save Money and 2)Earn me fitness minutes!

STAYING HYDRATED

Knowing how important water is to weight loss, I have tried a few methods to insure I get at least my 64 oz a day. And actually those of us who live in hotter climates (it gets to 120* here in the summer) should be drinking even more.

At work I either 1) Keep a post it on my water bottle with the latest time I took a swig. I try to do every 30 minutes, not a guzzle just a swig. 2) Take a swig every time I notice my body heat go up (when I get upset, stressed or a cute guy walks by :)

Walk at night

If you live in a safe area, walking at night during the summer makes for a much cooler walk. We feel more energetic walking after dark than under the hot sun, so we walk farther & faster & run into less traffic.... (more info)

Icy Cold Hydration That Stays Cold Longer Without Coolers or Bags of Ice

Fill various sized bottles and jugs half full of water. Place bottles (not gallon jugs) so that they lean (keep stable) to one side while freezing (without lids). Keep gallon jugs upright (also no lids). When ready to use fill with fresh water and screw lids on snuggly and you're all set to go!

Portion Control for Fair Food

It's easy to go nuts at the fair, and especially hard because it's fair season. Order what seems to be the lightest item, then dump half of it into the nearest garbage can.

Cook hot foods without overheating your house!

Everyone knows that cooking ahead is both time and money efficient. It's energy efficient too.

Make your slow cooker meals overnight. Roast vegetables first thing in the morning.

You and your home will recover faster from the heat of cooking, and you'll have more variety in your diet!

Barbecue Portions

When the BBQ invites start coming it doesn't have to be a challenge! Sampling a spoonful of each item is a lot better than eating a whole portion of each food. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, etc can all be split into quarters for sample sizes too. Split with your kids, hubby, etc. and erase guilt.

Fire Up the Barbecue!

It's that time of year! Grill up some bell peppers and stuff them with brown rice, roast eggplant slices and top with a mix of Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, or grill up zucchini slices and toss with homemade vinaigrette!

Ice Cream Cheat

If you're into the bad habit of having ice cream then there is a simple solution that can be as good for you as you want it to be. I found this out when I was working at a summer camp. It's fun and delicious without making you feel guilty after! You can also add in fruit (so good).

canvas sneaker savers

paint on nail polish on the canvas toes of women's and children's canvas sneakers. This reinforces them so the toes don't wear holes in them so easily.

Cutting Calories # 2

Hot Summers = Frozen pops!

Frozen posicles always are a great treat when it is so hot. I remember eating them, thinking well they are only 70 calories, but they are filled with empty sugar calories!

So now, I freeze grapes, strawberries, cherries & bananas for frozen treats!!!

Hang dry your laundry

Drying your laundry on a line--indoors or out--is economical and eco-friendly. Dryers command a lot of energy and electricity, but they also wear out your clothes faster than hang drying. No more shrunken T-shirts either!