Dietician with the South Beach Diet Shares Healthy Tips
Mandi Knowles, Dietician, South Beach Diet
(Fort Washington, PA, Thursday, May 17, 2018) – One in three Americans claim they haven’t worn a swimsuit in five years or more. And more than half of Americans dread the idea of putting on a swimsuit altogether.
A new study of 2,000 Americans commissioned by the South Beach Diet found Americans want to lose an average of 31 pounds before wearing their swimsuit in public.
So what are some tips for shedding those pounds before summer and avoiding any additional weight gain so you have the confidence to put on that swimsuit this summer?
Lighten Up Those BBQ Recipes: Pasta and potato salads are a staple at many picnics, but can also pack on the calories depending on how they are made. Use whole-grain pasta, olive oil, herbs and lemon juice to make pasta salad. Try sweet potatoes, turnips and Greek yogurt in potato salad.
Eat Before You Go Out: If you’re headed out to a BBQ or party with friends, don’t skip breakfast or your mid-morning snack. Pretend the day is like any other day and you will be way less likely to over-indulge.
Have Fruit for Dessert: Spring and summer are all about warmer weather and that means delicious fruit is in season. Trade that lemon meringue pie for fresh cantaloupe or strawberries. Offer to bring “dessert” to that barbecue and make a fruit salad.
With warmer weather right around the corner, the thought of getting back into a swimsuit is on the minds of many Americans. Some additional tips to not gain weight and feel better include:
- Stick to Your Routine: Even if you’re on vacation, have days off or it’s the weekend, try your best to stick to your routine. Often we forget and we wake up late, eat a big, leisurely breakfast and things tend to spiral away from “routine” with every passing minute.
- Watch What You Drink: You don’t have to give up alcohol completely, but watch what you drink especially as it warms up and you’re spending more time with family and friends. Swap wine, beer and margaritas, which can be packed with sugar, for a lighter drink like vodka with sparkling water and a lime. Or ditch the alcohol all together and spice up your water with fresh fruit.
- Get Moving: This goes without saying, but with the warmer weather upon us, getting outside and moving is easier than ever. Make time to take walks around the neighborhood, go for a swim, hike with friends or even do yoga on the beach. You’ll feel better and your body will thank you!