Effective weight loss tips for summer

With the summer fast approaching, it's time to get ready for the swimsuit season. My Weight Doctor® medical weight loss and age management clinics, offers some helpful hints to get on the right track.

"The first step to an effective weight loss plan is eating healthy," said Nicole Babka CPT, CFT Program Manager of Nutrition and Fitness Therapies My Weight Doctor®. "When preparing your own meals stay away from fried foods, stick with grilling, baking, broiling and steaming your food. Also, remember to utilize low fat at ingredients when cooking."

In addition to preparing to lose weight for summer, it is important to note the pitfalls to healthy eating during the summer season. "The bathing suit effect of summer brings plenty of anxiety," said Babka. "But, the summer parties, cookouts, and festivities can present traps to healthy living themselves."

Babka also offers the following:

• Beware of empty calories. It is easy to overload on salads high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Summer cookouts include rich foods and usually plenty of alcohol.
• Eating before a summer cookout will also assist in combating over indulgence while at the party.
• If possible, try and bring a healthy side dish to a summer function. Most importantly, however, stop eating after you are full. If you do not want to offend the host, place your portions on a smaller plate to give the appearance of more food.
• Take advantage of the warm weather to get outdoor exercise, "Walking is an excellent regardless of what shape you are in, there is also biking, swimming, tennis and jogging."