Losing weight is no easy task, we all know that. Losing weight in the hot summer months can be difficult. Socialising, drinking, barbecues and ice creams to keep cool can all make it challenging, however with the right methods it can be achieved.

Here are 9 tips to help you with your goal:

1. Get sufficient sleep – poor sleep and tiredness can have an effect on our appetite, making us crave sugary foods so a good sleep routine will help keep your appetite in check.
2. Start your day hydrated – a glass of water first thing can be a real help, staying hydrated over the day is also important, light yellow pee is a good indicator that you are hydrated, dark pee means you need to drink water.
3. Prioritise protein – the most satiating food, keeping you fuller for longer. Go for the protein first at that bbq.
4. Eat plant foods at every meal – make the most of summer salads and fruits for a well rounded diet that has good sources of fibre.
5. Move daily – take the opportunity for a daily walk when the weather is good. Walking is a great way to use calories you’ve consumed and great for our mental health. 10k steps a day is a good ballpark figure.
6. Try healthier snack options – swap ice cream for sorbet, crisps for popcorn, fruit and yogurt instead of sweets.
7. Try a new activity – summer is a great time to try something new, whether its hiking, tennis, swimming. Just being more active will help you achieve your goal.
8. Reduce or swap your alcohol – Summer is a time of socialising so this can be tricky but if you swap a beer for a clear spirit and tonic you reduce the calories and its a refreshing drink.
9. Use different methods for measuring progress – scales are fine if you’d like to see a trend in weight change but they don’t give you the full story as there are lots of variables. Using photos, measurements and how clothing feels can be helpful in monitoring your progress.

The summer is the time we have the most freedom to be out, try new things and be healthy. Make the most of the summer fun and you could get a little fitter and healthier in the process.

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