With the birds singing and sun shining more often these days, thoughts turn to the fun things to come in the warmer months. It’s also a time to start thinking about that summer wardrobe, or more importantly, what the summer wardrobe reveals.
Shedding the sweaters and leggings for shorts and little tops can be a reminder that you may have gotten a little to comfortable with comfort foods over the winter. Rather than panic, do what the bees do and get busy.
A few simple tweaks to your diet, without actually ‘dieting’, can make a huge difference in how you look and feel. The first area I like to address with my clients is sugar intake.
Foods sweetened with sugar taste good, create a short mood boost and feel indulgent. I am all for everything in moderation, so have the cake once in awhile, but as part of your daily regime, choose healthier ways to eat sweets.
I am not an advocate of artificial sweeteners lie aspartame (brand names NutraSweet or Equal), sucralose (brand name Splenda) or saccharin (brand name Sweet N Low) due to the health risks. There are so many excellent natural choices, I love to use coconut sugar because of it’s low glycemic impact and versatility. I also really love to use honey, especially from small farms. Did you know that bacteria cannot live in honey, it will not spoil and needs no refrigeration? My favorites still tend to be those that are clover based, but just like wine, honey flavor is determined by the source of the nectar and plants utilized by the bees. If you are unsure of your favorite honey flavor, Sandt’s, out of Pennsylvania, offers an amazing three pack of raw, unfiltered Clover, Golden & Orange Blossom. If you can’t find Sandt’s in your local market, you can find this yummy three pack on Amazon, click here HONEY.
Another way to help satisfy your sweet cravings is to replace your soda with flavored water. A 12 ounce can of regular soda averages a little over 9, yes 9, teaspoons of sugar!!! (39 grams) That one can of soda can sabotage even the best meal plan! Opt for flavored waters like La Croix Sparkling Water. It has lots of flavor without any calories or artificial sweeteners, sodium, sugar or anything artificial. It’s also gluten free, vegan and kosher. It’s important to read labels on any zero calorie flavored water, many have artificial sweeteners that can have negative health side effects.
Swapping out your sugar for natural sweeteners, consuming more fresh fruits and veggies, choosing whole grains are great first steps to feeling comfortable in your shorts and swimsuits again!
xo Bobbi
