With spring underway and summer just around the corner, this is the best time to lose weight and keep it off.
Of course, the challenges remain the same throughout the seasons, but longer days and summer skies prompt changes to your brain and body that make losing weight – and keeping it off easier than usual. Take advantage of these seasonal changes that are working in your favour right now.
To help you stay motivated this spring, Cambridge Weight Plan will be running a summer body Weight loss campaign over a 4 month period starting 1 September 2018, where participants are urged to shed between 5-10kg toward their summer bodies,” says Renny Letswalo, Non-Executive Chairperson at Cambridge Weight Plan. “We will offer motivational and weekly exercise programmes and meal plans to help you on this weight loss journey. To keep up to date with weekly advice follow our social media platforms and visit our website www.cambridgeweightplan.co.za ,” adds Letswalo.
Fewer hunger pangs
Did you know that on average, people consume 86 extra calories per day in autumn compared to spring? And as spring turns into summer, eating less is likely to continue.
“Your appetite decreases in the summer because your body is trying to keep itself cool, says Renny Letswalo, Non-Executive Chairperson at Cambridge Weight Plan. “You automatically feel less hungry, which means you consume lesser calories.”
The heat helps you burn calories
While you may think sweat is what helps you burn fat, it’s not. If you stay active and don’t scale back on intensity during workouts, then you will see the kilograms melt. This can be related back to temperature regulation. As your body works to regulate itself, it works harder when it’s hot, therefore burning more calories, adds Letswalo.
Your mood is brighter
Have you noticed how warm weather promotes a happier mood? In extreme cases, the dark, gloomy days of winter can trigger a type of temporary depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). People with SAD may crave more carbs and end up gaining weight. On the contrary warm weather promotes better spirits, which probably means you don’t have crazy cravings for heavy, fatty foods that you usually crave in the winter.
There is Vitamin D in the sunshine
There appears to be a connection between lack of vitamin D, insulin resistance and obesity. Therefore people who are obese are more likely than their thinner counterparts to have lower levels of this vitamin. Research has also shown that some people are more likely to lose weight if they take a vitamin D supplement.
It’s easier to find healthier food
Spring meals are often cold and light. We are more likely to eat and enjoy fruit salads, cold salads, watermelon and the like, says Letswalo. Therefore with so many light foods to choose from we are more likely to choose healthier options. People also want more plant-based foods and less meat.
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