Need to lose weight now for the fall season? As we come off of summer break and anticipate the upcoming holidays, many women use this time to get themselves in shape and in gear for losing weight and getting healthy.
Please note: If you’ve read any of my articles for any time now, you know I’m ALL about long-term solutions and lifestyle changes – NOT quick fixes. However, we all need a little fine-tuning sometimes with quick results, and that’s the intention of the following tips.
Tip #1: Bust a move first thing in the morning.
Don’t put off exercise until after work or in the evening because you might just skip it because “something came up” or you just don’t feel like going. Working out first thing in the morning revs up your metabolism for the day, increases digestion (which helps to de-bloat your belly) and creates clean energy you wouldn’t otherwise have that early. It’s okay to exercise after hours if you’re set on that schedule, but at least try doing a little something before leaving the house in the morning.
Tip #2: Eat LG veggies like it’s your job (LG = low-glycemic).
Eating veggies like green beans, kale, spinach, broccoli, peppers, cucumbers and celery (with a protein, of course) as much as possible in the next couple of weeks will help you shed extra pounds. They’re chock full of nutrients and as long as you’re eating a protein at each meal, they’ll keep you full and satisfied. Many times, cravings for sugary, carb-loaded foods stem from eating them in the first place. Switching up your meal plan to include as many LG vegetables as possible will help create a healthy response in your body and curb those cravings.
Tip #3: Double up on water.
Drinking water is sometimes your least favorite thing to do. It has no taste, it makes you pee a lot and it’s tough to remember to drink. Sound familiar? Instead of lamenting the idea of drinking water, just drink it. Spice it up with some lemon to alkalize your body and purge toxins that are making you tired and overweight. Remember: the more you pee, the more you’re flushing water weight and unwanted toxins from your body.
Tip #4: Sip on yerba mate or green tea throughout the day.
Yerba mate is a type of tea that contains natural caffeine and helps promote a healthy metabolism. If you want good, clean energy and an extra boost to help you shed unwanted pounds, try drinking at least 2 cups of yerba mate or a green tea each day. Remember that it’s best to drink caffeine before noon (or a bit later depending on how your body handles caffeine) so you get a good night’s rest.
Tip #5: Get good, quality sleep most nights.
With crazy hormones, a busy life and so few hours in the day, many of us can skimp on getting proper amounts of sleep. If you want to get healthy or lose weight, this is a big no-no. Sleep is absolutely necessary for detoxing your body and helping to create hormonal balance. Try going to bed before midnight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep tonight. If you’re having a tough time falling asleep, take an epsom salt bath and shut off all electronics at least 30 minutes before bed. You’ll feel refreshed and full of energy after getting this kind of rest. Plus, you’ll notice that you’re not so hungry all the time, and you may actually feel full after meals just from getting the right kind of sleep (consistent lack of sleep throws off hormonal levels).
Now that you have these 5 tips to jumpstart your health and lose some weight this fall, it’s time to put them into action! Start with one tip each day over the next week and see how different you feel! You’ll see that by making these small, simple changes, your waistline may get smaller, you’ll feel vibrant and energetic, and you may sport a healthier glow.
– Katie Humphrey
As a keynote speaker, empowerment coach, author and spokesperson, Katie Humphrey inspires women to feel fit, confident and motivated. Her dynamic Revolution of YOU brand helps overwhelmed and stressed out women confidently reach their goals.
Visit Katie’s Website at KatieHumphrey.com