Winter usually gets blamed for weight gain. Reduced activity levels, comfort eating, and big-meal holidays make for easy extra pounds on the scale. Yet, summertime has its own way of sneaking on the weight. It could be from vacationing at an all-inclusive (endless meals and drinks) resort. Or, a staycation may be the source of added pounds, where luxuries include dining out and stocking the pantry with your favorite treats.

Once you realize your shorts haven gotten a bit shorter, reflect on why. Have you been stress-eating? Is the presence of school-free children changing your salads to macaroni and cheese and drive-thru fare? Perhaps you exchanged your daily cup of joe for a frozen coffee concoction, complete with whipped cream and syrups. Then, there were those boardwalk treats. And what happened to your exercise routine! Have your workout buddies posted your picture on missing-persons posters around the Center? Splashing in your neighbor’s pool is not a workout. Neither is washing your car. Own the extra pounds. Don’t excuse them away. Acknowledge their possible origins so you know where to focus improvements. Then, undo the damage.

With each passing day, and each added pound, change becomes more challenging. Confidence plummets as your hard-earned fitness results unravel before your eyes. Schedule your reevaluations with the Center personal trainer and nurse. Determine your current stats. (Maybe you are not as far gone as you fear.) Then, develop a new plan of attack. These appointments hold you accountable to a fresh start. Get the facts, set new fitness goals, and start a new exercise routine customized for you by a professional. A personal trainer can help you avoid further weight sabotages. Once you are back on track, s/he can help you maintain your healthiest weight.

Source: medicalxpress.com