A lot of us focusing on nutrition were talking about summer eating...festivals...amusement parks...some challenges!

Here's the thing...don't let thinking about it make you crazy. We don't eat festival food every day; and with exercising like we do, sticking with drinking our water, and eating healthy most of the time... it's ok to live and have fun and enjoy treats once in a while!

Here are some things to think about to help take the edge off of those treats:

• Park in a place that allows you to do some walking to get to the festival- a little guaranteed exercise
  
  

• Do not starve yourself before going---eat normal healthy meals, and even have a health snack if possible...getting there feeling full will help you keep it together when faced with funnel cakes, chili cheese fries, and fried everything on a stick.
  
  

• Drink your water! Another great way to keep cravings away...zero calories!

• Keep an open mind and look for healthier options...roasted corn on the cob? grilled chicken on a stick? fresh fruit cups? keep your eyes open!

• Order the smallest size you can get, and share treats with friends/family who are thinking the same way you are (cuts back on calories for each of you)
  
  

If you end up enjoying more than you would have liked too...keep it in perspective. It was one incident...one situation...that doesn't mean you need to throw your hands up and fall off your healthy eating wagon completely...like Shakira would say... "pick yourself up, dust yourself off, get back in the saddle."  :)

Have FUN this summer!

j.

      Most often, you hear about people dieting to lose weight in time for summer...but...some interesting research shows it may be better to diet in the summer, to boost your chances of success! 

Celebrity Doctor Oz made the rounds on TV talk shows discussing this concept, saying that dieting may be easier in the summer because sunlight increases serotonin levels, and that can help to curb some people's cravings-especially for stress-related eating.

Studies also show people seem to eat less when the weather's hot, and that summer encourages more movement because people spend more time outdoors.

Summertime can also be beneficial for weight loss when it comes to eating...the seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables at lower prices can fill a diet with healthy choices.

And, psychologists say it's possible to increase your chances of reaching your weight loss goal by attaching it to a holiday.  Let's see how much we can accomplish by the 4th of July!

j.