www.GutCheckCert.com Summer?s almost here

Ahh, summertime is here. It’s probably one of our favorite but most stressful seasons. It’s wonderful because the days are long and the weather is beautiful. A time to get together with family and friends and hit the beach, to bask in the suns rays while lying around scantily clad. Unfortunately it means putting away the springtime baggy clothes and baring your flesh to what seems like the world. It’s time to play the fab versus flab game. You either look at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘not too bad’ or unfortunately have to say, ‘uh-oh, better get to work.

’ Fortunately there’s still time but you need to get started today. I’ve been here myself. Heck, I’ve had years when my weight fluctuated more than Oprahs, but finally decided to put an end to the madness. So, how do we get into shape for the summer and then keep it off throughout the year? Here are a few fun tips that I use. They work for me and hopefully will for you too.

1. Make a Plan – “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” It’s that simple. I work with many clients that just decide to stop eating. We all know this doesn’t work. It throws the body into starvation mode and slows down the metabolism. I keep a very basic monthly eating & exercise calendar on my refrigerator. This way it’s the first thing that I see every morning. It’ll help keep you on track. Right down what you eat and what you do. People who keep journals are more successful at losing weight and staying in shape.

2. Have a Contest – Create your own version of the ‘Biggest Loser.’ A group of about 20 of us threw $20 a piece into a pot. We have to weigh in once a week and at the end of the month the winner takes all. There are rules though. If you miss a weigh in, you pay $10, if you gain weight or stay the same, you pay $10. Cash is a big motivator. Remember, if you do have this type of contest to be safe. Do not try losing 10lbs a week, two or three pounds are fine.

3. Sign-up for a Fall Event — It’s easy to get sidetracked during the summer with all the fun outdoor eating and drinking activities taking place. Every year I try to find an interesting or challenging fall event to sign-up for and begin training for this time of year. For instance, you and your friends could start training for a marathon, triathlon or a Muddy Buddy. The main thing is to find something that will help get and keep you physically active and focused not only during the summer but throughout the year.

There is still time to get into shape for the summer and even take control of your life. But it begins right here, right now. Remember, to lose weight and get fit, it’s a simple math problem of calories in versus calories out. You have to burn more calories than you consume. It’s that simple. This can easily be achieved by becoming aware of the amount of calories you are consuming daily. You don’t know how many? Find out, it’s on the label. Then, you need to incorporate 2-3 days a week of strength training and 3-5 days a week of cardiovascular training into your lifestyle. Combine all this together and you have one incredible recipe for success.

Get out the summer swim wear. Try it on. Look in the mirror. Decide what plan of action to take. Then make it happen. You can make this the best summer ever, but it all depends upon you. You are worth it. Have a wonderful, healthy and very happy summer.

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