Jump back into fitness this spring in Chicago

It’s been a long winter and right now I’m really glad we’re not living in Winterfell (capital of the North in the Game of Thrones). And it’s not because I don’t love snow, I really do, but because the cold and bad weather make me reluctant to spend time outdoors. I think that’s why most people gain a few pounds over the winter, including me. The good news is that spring is here, so it’s time we step out of our comfy apartments and get back into shape.

To make sure we feel totally comfortable in a bathing suit this summer, we need to have a plan, and quick. The simplest solution that comes to mind when thinking of how to lose a few pounds is to go on a diet. Depending on your eating habits, it might be easier or harder, but here are a few tips to get you started.

Out with the meat, in with the veggies. If you’re a meat lover, you’re probably gonna hate this one but it has to be done. Cut back on red meat, it’s really unhealthy anyway, and reduce quantities of white meat, too, as much as possible. If you’re used to having two pieces of chicken at one meal, try eating one and save the second for later. Always serve chicken, fish or turkey in combination with vegetables (avoid potatoes though). If you have five different colors in your plate, that’s a perfect mix. Eating a rainbow of foods will get you all the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals you need for a balanced and healthy diet.

Timing can make the difference. You must be really careful about when you choose to start a diet. If you’ve got a big event coming up and there’s going to be tons of food and drinks involved, you should just wait until after the event.  Talking about how dangerous dieting can become if started before the spring break, for example, Amy Sullivan, outreach representative at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center and a registered dietitian, says that in such conditions 95 percent of all diets fail. “Many pre-spring break dieters give up their diet on or after spring break and when this happens, overeating is often the result. This rebound effect can lead to feelings of low self-worth and depression”, Sullivan added.

Don’t forget to exercise. Any diet must be complemented by a good exercise plan; aerobics, jogging or swimming, whatever works for you, just make sure you exercise at least forty minutes per day. If you want to have some fun while toning your muscles and burning out calories, you should try kangoo jumps. Twenty minutes of kangoo jumps burn around 200 calories so put on those funny-looking shoes and let’s dance!