I'm currently trying to get my summer body ready, even though summer has already begun. Judging by the mass quantities of young people at my local Planet Fitness, it's safe to say that I'm not alone. Whether you want to fit into your favorite bikini or you're trying to have a happier mentality this summer here are 10 unhealthy habits that you should drop this summer.
1) Forcing yourself to do non-stop cardio.
Cardio is great if you want to lose a few pounds, but it's not a miracle cure. Weight loss is 20% exercise and 80% diet. Unless you're one of the very few people who enjoy running, find a different type of workout.
2) Never indulging or indulging way too much.
It's okay to treat yourself. Life's pretty miserable if you never have any fun right? So have the brownie or put a little flavor in your latte. With that being said, don't let one unhealthy choice sabotage your progress.
3) Making working out feel like a chore.
Grab a workout buddy or sign up for a pilates class. There's no reason that working out can't be just as fun as hanging out with your friends.
4) Associating with people who make you miserable.
We all have that one friend that absolutely drains us. I'm not saying you have to drop them out of no where, but understand how their attitude effects the way you feel.
5) Counting Calories
I'm not a dietitian so maybe counting calories is really good for you. But lets be honest, it sucks. If you have a general idea that something is good for you then don't worry whether its 90 calories or 91. It really doesn't matter.
6) Constantly weighing yourself.
I understand that scales are a good way to track your weight loss, but as the old saying goes "Muscle weighs more than fat". If you look in the mirror and like what you see, then don't sweat the number on the scale. If you do weigh yourself, try to do it in the morning when you're at your truest weight.
7) Staring at pictures of stick thin models as inspiration
Don't get me wrong, Victoria's Secret girls workout crazy hard and I have nothing but respect for them, but that kind of progress is a little unrealistic Understand your own body type and assess what kind of weigh loss/ muscle growth is realistic for you.
8) Expecting Overnight results.
No matter how many miles you run or Flat Tummy Tea you drink you're not going to see progress right away. There's a saying about how it takes 4 weeks for you to notice progress and 8 weeks for other people to notice. I don't know the exact logistics and frankly I'm too lazy to ask.
9) Forgetting to hydrate.
This is the most generic piece of fitness advice in the world but I'm no expert so it's all I've got.
10) Not eating enough.
Food is...really important. We are meant to eat (obviously???) so just do it. Be mindful of what you're putting into your body but if you feel hungry...EAT!
