Six slimming strategies for summer

1. Stay hydrated

  • Thirst can sometimes masquerade itself as hunger. When you are hydrated you can better sense hunger. Oftentimes we think that we are hungry after eating a full meal but it is more likely that we are dehydrated.

  • As the weather starts to warm up staying hydrated can help ward off kidney stones as well

  • Women who drink more water also have better workouts- they have more energy during the workout and feel less fatigued
2. Snack on Fruits and veggies vs. package food items- more natural
  • We just are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Some of us are still on low-carb diets and we lose these vitamins, minerals and fiber.

  • Some people go day after day without any fruit and maybe vegetables on a sandwich for example

  • Snacking is a great time to get fruits and vegetables in- a natural source of fiber, vitamins and minerals BUT you can still have fun with these treats that don't have a package on them to keep you interested

  • Combine fruit with 1 ounce of dark chocolate or enjoy some baby carrots with hummus or a healthy smoothie we will show you in the primetime show is a great way to get fruits.
3. Sweat Daily
  • You know those people who go to the gym and just steam/sauna/shower and leave -- well they are doing something good for their bodies, but if that describes you, I want to see you getting your sweat on via cardio, yoga or a walk.

  • Moving and sweating gives you radiant skin, improves your mood and circulation and helps your long term health.

  • You also burn calories and tone your body to keep you feeling fit and shapely.
4. Start cooking at home
  • This boils down to Knowing what is in your food. When you dine out you have almost no control over what you consume. Somebody else is dictating your portion sizes, food quality.

  • Also restaurants are more concerned with their bottom line than your waistline.

  • When you cook at home you not only save money but you also save calories.

  • Save money for that new swimsuit!
5. Skip the second cup of coffee and opt for tea
  • Tea and Coffee are two different beverages; Tea is made out of leaves of a plant while Coffee is made out of beans.

  • When we have coffee in the afternoon it may contain cream and sugar- tea we usually do a bit of honey or sugar to take some of or any of the bitter taste away.

  • So less calories overall. In addition, you get a different kind of anti-oxidant when you go for tea over coffee, especially when you do a black, green or white tea (said to enhance your metabolism)

  • The second cup of coffee may affect the next slimming strategy -- SLEEP!
6. Sleep for success
  • When we are rested our body just works better. Our body craves consistency and sleep is a critical success factor that affects our energy, mental alertness and cravings.

  • Your body needs time dedicated to recovery, rest, and in order to burn fat to get leaner you need consistent sleep hours.

  • Also for some, the later you stay up, the more likely you are to dig into the cabinets or refrigerator and consume extra calories!
Fun Factoids:
  • Allicin is the most potent substance found in garlic and has been shown to not only lower blood pressure, insulin and triglyceride levels, but also prevents weight gain.

  • Raisins are an anti-oxidant as well as a food that can prevent gingivitis, so keep throwing it into your trail mix or in your oatmeal.

  • Avocados are not only good for your cholesterol but they are healthy fats that you give skin. The oil that avocado extracts is good in toughening the skin by triggering production of collagen and therefore reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. But remember, everything in moderation -- too much good fat is still too much!
About Rania Batayneh:

Rania Batayneh, MPH is a Nutritionist and Personal Chef with a private practice focusing on changing lifestyles for lasting results. She is also the host of The Well Seasoned Nutritionist, an online program in which she continue to entertain and educate her clients and viewers on hot topics in nutrition and providing them with strategies and recipes for success.

Her Mediterranean upbringing fostered in her a love of cooking and an appreciation for living well. The eating strategies she develops for each client is grounded in science yet relates to your lifestyle, needs, and food preferences. It is a plan of action and it works!

Part of her weekly routine include practicing Bikram yoga as well as writing for her first book, 'Confessions of a Nutritionist".

Her role model is her mother who embraces living well and honoring your body.

She has been seen on MSNBC and NBC11. She has practices in both San Francisco and Portland, Oregon and her nationwide client base has benefited from her in-home kitchen makeovers as well as on-line consulting.

Rania's Take on Weight Loss:

"I read a great quote in a novel about self change. One client said, "it's easy to lose weight. I started off at 155 pounds and have lost 160 pounds in the past four years!"

This is a very good example of the diet industry that exists in our country. There are new solutions almost offered daily. Quick fixes, new drink, potion, and powders that claim that they will help you reach your goal one and for all.

Well They don't teach you how you are going to MAINTAIN your goal. This is where my approach is different. I emphasize with each client that success is not only losing but maintaining your goals."

For more information about Rania, visit www.essentialnutritionforyou.com

Watch Rania's YouTube clips.

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