As lovers of chia pudding, we are always trying to find fun, new ways to enjoy this delicious treat. It makes for a great grab-and-go breakfast, pre- or post-workout snack, or even a healthy dessert, depending on the recipe. Since the days are finally starting to get colder, we decided to flavor the chia pudding similar to some classic holiday cookies. Yes, we know that Halloween has not even happened yet, but something about the weather inspired this wonderful treat of a recipe.

The key to nailing this recipe is using the proper amount of each spice. There is no gingerbread spice; rather, you combine a few classic holiday spices to create that classic gingerbread flavor. The spices actually balance out the natural sweetness of the maple syrup. You’ll need cinnamon, nutmeg, ground clove, and ginger powder. Whisk those spices into the chia pudding mixture and you’ll be good to go. Just remember that you may need to taste the chia pudding and adjust a spice or two in order to please your taste buds. That said, we worked very hard to measure out every ingredient in a precise way. So while we always encourage creativity and experimentation in the kitchen, you shouldn’t have to doctor up this recipe to make it taste better than it already does.

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So…you have decided to cleanse. First of all, we want to commend your decision to do so, as it is a great investment in your overall health. Think of cleansing like taking your car in for service. Sometimes, you just need to flush the systems and replenish it with new fluids so it can drive smoothly. That’s exactly how you want your body to run: smoothly. While eating right and drinking water may be on your mind, you may also be wondering how to workout during your cleanse. 

“Can I exercise while cleansing?” This is a question we receive quite a bit. We give a resounding “YES” to this question, but suggest that you listen to your body in this time of change. You are eating fewer calories and may not have the energy that you usually do. Listen to your body in order to exercise safely. Physical activity actually boosts the detoxification process, as it stimulates lymphatic flow, blood circulation, respiration, and promotes sweating. Additionally, it may improve digestion and the function of the kidneys, lungs, liver, and more. 

One thing to note about exercise is that it is not the leading role in your cleanse. The best workout routines to do while cleansing are ones that elevate your heart rate slightly and help you break a sweat. Be kind and gentle to the body as you transition into this new dietary pattern and you’ll reap the results without suffering. No matter if you are doing a 10-day or a 20-day cleanse, the following workouts can help promote detoxification and support cleansing efforts. 

Foam Rolling

Is this even an exercise? That is up for debate, but it is a form of myofascial release, which essentially releases the lymphatic fluid in your muscles. Foam rolling does more than just benefit your muscles! The connective tissue found throughout the entire body also receives the benefits that come from foam rolling. By releasing the tension in the tissue, you promote vitality within the fascia, which are small fibers responsible for giving muscles shape and tone. 

Light Cardiovascular Exercise

Aerobic exercise is a form of exercise that gets your heart going. The lungs take in oxygen for the body’s necessary detoxification processes. It’s important to understand that you have to keep your heart rate steady by maintaining intensity. That’s when you’ll experience the most benefits. Some examples of light cardio include walking, cycling, hiking, using an elliptical machine, or engaging in a few quick interval circuits. 

Dance

Yes, dance…as if nobody is watching. If you hate walking on the treadmill or cardio in general, you can amp up your heart rate by dancing. Pump up the jams, literally, and dance whether you are alone or hitting up the nearest Zumba class. In fact, Zumba is a top-notch cardiovascular workout! A detoxifying workout does not have to be conventional; rather, it can be a fun activity that feels good for your body. Zumba classes are usually very supportive and, more importantly, fun as can be!

Rebounding

This is a fun exercise that’ll take you back to the days of being a carefree child. Rebounding is a form of exercise that involves jumping on a small, springy trampoline (a rebounder). Due to its low-impact nature, it is a great cardiovascular exercise for older adults. The low-impact bouncing stimulates the lymphatic system, while also improving circulation and cardiovascular health. Some research suggests that it may even benefit bone density and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Yoga

Could yoga be the quintessential detoxifying exercise? Some people think of yoga as glorified stretching, but it is a great way to improve flexibility and enhance core strength. Don’t worry about mastering 100 poses or grounding your flow. The point of yoga is to give frequently used muscles attention and love, and to build strength in small muscle fibers that don’t get a lot of love. By twisting, stretching, bending, and folding, you can help soothe the body into a lean, mean, detoxifying machine.

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At Dherbs, we receive a lot of questions related to cleansing, most of which are about diet. People want to know what they can and cannot eat while cleansing. Another common question is, “Can I workout while cleansing?” It is completely fine to exercise while cleansing, but you have to be more in tune with your body while doing so. Allow your body the time, room, and space it requires to digest, process, reset, and restore, especially regarding its natural capabilities and functions. 

If you are a fitness enthusiast and love getting in a good workout, you may be tempted to give it your all while cleansing. Remember that you are not eating as many calories and have to listen to your body, so as not to push it too much. Ideally, engage in light- to moderate-intensity physical activity. Aerobic exercise tends with light strength training is what we usually recommend, as both promote detoxification via sweat, lymphatic drainage, and healthy circulation. 

Tailor Exercise To Your Cleanse

While cleansing, choose the right intensity and type of exercise that supports your body. The last thing you want to do is put undue stress on a body that is out of its element. Low-impact activities, such as yoga, walking, gentle Pilates, swimming, and biking, are great options. These exercises help maintain a steady heart rate while promoting stress reduction. If you want to focus on mindfulness during your cleanse, consider focusing on yoga, Tai Chi, and stretching. 

Always Listen To The Body

Since you have to follow a raw vegan diet, you are not consuming as many calories as you would outside the cleanse. That isn’t to say that you eat an unhealthy diet, but it is to say that most foods in the American diet are calorically dense. Some people who cleanse may have more energy than others. If you feel up to it, engage in a more strenuous workout that gets your  blood pumping. Just make sure to listen to your body and strike a balance between feeling drained and revitalized. 

Measure Progress And Celebrate Achievements

It is very common to notice changes in the body while cleansing. You may notice that your skin looks clearer and that your mind isn’t as foggy. We hope you notice some weight loss if that is your goal! Keep track of your progress, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Celebrate the wins, even the small ones, such as completing a yoga flow or walking an extra mile. A positive mindset goes a long way in helping you succeed while cleansing. 

Always Hydrate

You will be drinking more water than usual while cleansing, but pay extra attention to water intake when exercising. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to support the detoxification process and prevent dehydration. Additionally, fuel the body with nutrient-dense foods before and after the workout to encourage energy and muscle repair. Leafy greens, chia pudding, nuts, energy balls, and smoothies can be great options to provide energy. 

Embrace Movement

Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or building on your love of exercise, one thing is for certain: movement is better than no movement at all. When you exercise regularly, you can enhance your metabolism, which increases the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Plus, engaging in low-impact workouts can help reduce inflammation, promote better digestion, and improve sleep quality.

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Going abroad for fun in the near future? Maybe you are traveling for work or simply planning a weekend getaway with the family. Wherever you are going, you can rest assured that you do not have to pack resistance bands or kettlebells to keep up with your workouts. 

According to researchers, there are many bodyweight exercises that can help you achieve a meaningful workout. The best part is that you can do them right from the comfort of your own hotel room, campsite, AirBnb, or wherever you are staying. Below, you will find a handful of bodyweight exercises that will get you the most bang for your buck. 

Burpees

Although burpees may be the most hated exercise on this list, they are highly effective for full-body cardio and training the legs, chest, core, and more. To do burpees, start in a standing position and then squat down, placing your hands on the ground and jumping your feet back to enter a high plank. Do a push-up, jump your feet back to your hands, and then explode upward and jump with your arms extended overhead. If you find this traditional way too challenging, you can walk your feet back into a plank, skip the push-up, and stand up to return to the starting position. Complete three sets of 10. 

Forearm Plank

A good old-fashioned plank can go a long way in strengthening your core. The sweat will start to drip after one of these! Begin in a tabletop position on your hands and knees, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Step your feet back to enter a high plank position. Carefully lower yourself down to your forearms and maintain a straight body, ensuring that you don’t let your hips sink. Hold for 30 seconds and then rest. You can increase the time as you get more comfortable with the exercises. Complete three rounds, holding at least 30 seconds each time. 

Mountain Climbers

Great for cardio, core, and shoulder strength, mountain climbers are great to do in or out of the gym. Enter a high plank position and then drive your right knee toward your chest, before switching it quickly in a fluid motion. Ideally, you want to look like you are running in place, but make sure to keep your shoulders stacked over your hands. If you need, you can take it at a slower pace. Need it to be more challenging? Bring your knee to the opposite elbow! Complete three sets of 30 seconds, resting for one to two minutes between each set. 

Bodyweight Squats

This is one of the simplest and space-saving bodyweight exercises you can do. It targets the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and core. Stand up straight with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight as you lower down into a squat position, sitting your butt back and making sure that your knees don’t extend beyond your toes. Engage your glutes and drive through your heels to return to the starting position. Complete three sets of 10-12 reps. 

Glute Bridges

Glute bridges target your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings, and they can help counteract poor posture. Start by lying flat on your back with your palms facing down by your sides. Bend your knees so that your heels are between three to six inches from your buttocks. Press the soles of your feet into the mat, engage your gluteus muscles, and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Interlock your fingers on the mat near your buttocks and keep your knees directly over your feet. Lower back down slowly, ensuring you don’t slam down on the floor. Complete three sets of 10 reps. 

Push-Ups

For the final move of the sequence, we have the tried and true push-up, which targets the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. Begin in a high plank position and keep your feet shoulder width apart. Keep the body in a straight line as you lower your chest to the floor, keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle. Press back up by engaging the pectorals and shoulders and pause at the top before completing another rep. Make sure to do three sets of 10-12 push-ups.

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When the weather is warm and inviting, it’s hard not to be outside. That summer sun is just too amazing to ignore! Well, that’s true until you turn red like a lobster as a result of not applying sunscreen. Besides taking proper care of your skin, you have to be careful not to overheat and dehydrate when the weather is hot. That is especially true if you exercise or engage in hard labor in the sun. The simple tips in this article help you work out safely in the heat because there is no reason to not enjoy the outdoors while getting in your physical activity.

Plan Wisely

Now, if the temperatures are very hot, you should not exercise outside at the hottest time of day. No reason to go for a jog at two in the afternoon in peak heat. Make sure to choose a cooler time of day to avoid the sun shining on you at its hottest. Generally, mornings and late-afternoons/evenings are great times to workout to minimize direct sun exposure. If you are an early bird, consider getting up before the sun even rises to exercise outside. 

Hydrate And Then Hydrate Again

This seems like an obvious statement, but most people fail to realize how quickly they dehydrate in the heat. If you exercise outside, you will sweat out the water you drink, accelerating the dehydration process. According to research, going into a workout hydrated can decrease the risk of dehydration. Additionally, eating electrolyte-rich foods before and after your workout can help you retain and restore electrolyte balance. Pure coconut water, watermelon, cucumber, celery, citrus fruits, carrots, tomatoes, and other foods can help provide essential nutrients and aid hydration efforts. 

Consider A Pre-Workout Shower

Does showering before a workout make sense? In your mind, maybe not, but research suggests that manipulating pre-exercise body temperature can influence workout performance. It may also be an effective strategy for athletes who compete in stressful environments. Taking a short, cold shower or quick swim before exercising in the heat can help reduce body temperature. 

Listen To Your Body

Knowing your limits can benefit your body when exercising in the heat. If you notice that you feel light-headed, nauseous, dizzy, or something similar, take time to rest and drink water. Excessive sweating can quickly lead to heat exhaustion, which can have serious consequences. Make sure to monitor your water intake and energy levels at every stage of your outdoor exercise routine. 

Allow The Body Time To Acclimate

If you are not used to exercising in hotter weather, you have to give the body time to adjust. Gradually increase your exposure to heat over the course of one to two weeks. Start with shorter, less intense workouts in the cooler parts of the day. Increase the intensity and change the time at which you exercise as you progress. Starting slow, though, helps your body improve its ability to regulate temperature and increase sweat efficiency. If you skip the acclimation period, you run the risk of getting a heat-related illness.

Wear Light-Weight Clothing

The goal is to stay as cool as possible when you exercise in the heat. Try to wear light-weight clothing and moisture-wicking garments that bring sweat to the outer surface. Loose-fitting shirts also help you remain cool. In addition to the type of clothing you wear, consider the color as well. Avoid dark-colored clothing because black and dark blue clothing, for example, can cause you to overheat. Opt for white clothing or even bright options that reflect the sun. 

Keep It Short

If you are not used to exercising in the heat, especially for longer periods, make sure to keep your workout routine short. Start with a 20-30 minute low-to-medium-intensity routine to allow your body to acclimate to the heat. That advice holds true whether you are exercising in the outdoor heat or in a heated yoga class.

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If you operate like most people, then you have to get out and do things during the summer. Moving your workouts outside allows you to embrace both the benefits of exercise and being in fresh air and nature. That is especially true if you go on scenic hikes, swim in lakes, or head to the beach. Although working out in the heat can bring about certain risks, it also brings a host of benefits, which we detail in this article. 

You do not have to be a full-blown outdoors person to want to exercise outside. If you choose to train outside in the heat, you can reap several benefits, despite the challenges that it presents. Continue reading to learn about the top five benefits of exercising in the heat.

Enhance Mental Strength

When you run on the treadmill indoors and the air conditioning is going strong, you may get comfortable. That isn’t to say that running is easy, but you don’t have to face the elements, nor do you have to face uneven terrain. Running outside is a different experience, no matter the temperature. Training in the heat, though, requires you to adapt to the discomfort. In doing so, you actually build mental strength that you can transfer to everyday life, which helps you be more resilient overall.

Burn More Calories

The body’s temperature elevates a little more outside in the heat than it does inside an air-conditioned gym. That ultimately increases the body’s metabolic rate, and the body also has to work harder to cool down. In order to do both of those things, the body needs to burn more calories, which makes it a little easier to lose a couple pounds. Note that this is a temporary calorie expenditure and should not replace long-term strategies like strength training, consistent aerobic activity, and healthy diet. 

Increases Sweat And Blood Circulation

When you are in hot weather, what do you notice? You sweat, right? The body’s natural response to heat exposure is increased sweat production and blood circulation. By learning to adapt to these circumstances, you train the body to become tolerant and familiar with a range of temperatures. Plus, working out in the heat can help improve heart rate and sweat rate, two things that boost cardiovascular health. 

Improve Endurance

Becoming more comfortable in an uncomfortable setting is the name of the game if you want to push your body. By pushing through the discomfort, you can improve your tolerance for tougher workouts. According to research, people who are more acclimated to heat and fully hydrated have less body heat storage and perform optimally during exercise-heat stress. Additionally, one study conducted on elite athletes shows that heat training increases the production of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. That process helps to improve cardiovascular endurance. 

Encourages Detoxification

Research indicates that people routinely have sweating rates of one liter per hour when working in hot weather. The increased sweat rate actually encourages detoxification, allowing the body to get rid of excess toxins in the body via sweat. While this is beneficial, don’t forget that you must replenish fluids after expelling that much sweat. Drink plenty of water and consider adding electrolytes, or consuming electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water, in order to enhance hydration and replenish minerals.

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Does the early bird in fact get the worm? It does if that bird knows how to get up without hitting the snooze button on their alarm seven times. How does a person actually become an early bird, though, especially if it doesn’t come naturally? In this article, we will unpack the benefits of waking up early and how to get better at it once and for all. 

Figure Out Your Sleep Chronotype

Chronotype…what an interesting and foreign word. Sleep chronotype refers to your natural sleep-wake pattern. Essentially, it describes when you feel most alert, productive, and then sleepy throughout the day. Your circadian rhythm influences when you feel energized versus when you feel sleepy. Once you figure out your sleep chronotype, though, you can find an optimal schedule for your circadian rhythm. If you struggle to get up in the morning, you are likely not aware of your chronotype.

Maintain A Daily Routine

The circadian rhythm thrives on a consistent routine. The more consistent your schedule, the more likely you are to wake up at the same time every morning with ease. Your meals, exercise routine, and when you wind down for bed all factor into the equation. Exercising at the right time of day is also helpful. A bear chronotype, for example, does better exercising first thing in the morning, while a wolf chronotype has a prime exercise window in the early evening. 

Give Yourself A Good Night’s Sleep

Some adults have no issues with finding seven hours of sleep per night. Others require closer to nine, but a general rule of them is that seven to nine hours of sleep per night is the ticket to waking up feeling rested. Consider exactly when you need to wake up and set a recurring alarm for that time. Don’t have schedule constraints? Pick a time that fits your lifestyle. Once you have that figured out, work backward to determine when you need to go to sleep. Stick with that schedule for a couple weeks, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Track how you do in a sleep journal because that’s a great way to identify your sleep habits and needs. You can tweak your sleep-wake schedule until you find a routine that works for you.

Watch Your Caffeine And Alcohol Consumption

It might sound obvious, but caffeine lingers in your system a lot longer than you realize. It’s also very common for people to drink caffeinated beverages throughout the day. You should avoid caffeine at least six hours before bed, or else falling asleep will be a bigger issue than it should be. Additionally, alcohol should also be avoided before bed because, despite its sleep-inducing effects, it can disrupt sleep. Alcohol increases symptoms of sleep apnea and can affect the body’s melatonin production.

Have An Accountability Partner

If you have a roommate, friend, or family member who also wants to become a morning person, consider making them your accountability partner. Wake up at the same time together, or wake each other up with phone calls. Take turns calling to hold the other person, and yourself, accountable. 

Get Natural Light During The Day

If you want to positively influence your circadian rhythm, use light to your advantage. Natural sunlight informs your circadian rhythm that it is day, not night. Getting just 10 minutes of sunlight in the morning can help wake up the body, in addition to letting the body know when it should wake on a consistent basis. There are also sunrise alarm clocks that can help with this! In addition to getting natural light in the morning, make sure to avoid light, especially blue light from screens, at night to aid healthy sleep. 

Make Mornings Enjoyable

You will probably wake up early in a better mood if you have something to look forward to at the start of your day. Perhaps it is your favorite breakfast, an intense workout, or a morning stroll with your dog through the neighborhood. If you enjoy a morning shower, remind yourself how good you’ll feel as the water cascades down upon you. You may find that a meditative stretch session in the morning is the thing that you look forward to. Only you can find what motivates you!

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Ready for a delightful breakfast, fellow kitchen adventurers? Get ready to grab your breakfast and go when you prepare this peach chia pudding. It’s like summer in a jar! If you know anything about our recipes, you know that we like to make them as user friendly as possible. They should not feel like a challenge because healthy eating doesn’t have to be that way. You can create nutrient-dense meals in a matter of minutes with a few simple ingredients. Such is the case for this chia pudding, which can double as a healthy breakfast or dessert. You can even enjoy it as a pre- or post-workout snack.

The thick chia pudding is bursting with peach goodness. Since peaches are in season during the summer months, we like to use them whenever possible. In-season peaches are typically juicier and more flavorful, offering a lovely natural sweetness that steals the show in this recipe. Depending on the sweetness level of the peach you use in this recipe, you may or may not need the grade A maple syrup. Try it without the maple syrup at first and then add it if you desire a sweeter flavor from your chia pudding. Pour the mixture into two jars and refrigerate overnight. Doing so gives the chia pudding enough time to set.

Unlike other chia pudding recipes, this one requires you to make the chia pudding base before incorporating the chia seeds. Once you blend together the base ingredients, incorporate the chia seeds. Make sure you take your time with blending because you want it to be silky smooth (just like a smoothie) prior to adding the chia seeds. Want a little texture in your chia pudding? Leave the base slightly chunky with peach bits. That will also help it maintain fruity essence!

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In order to avoid dehydration, you have to drink the right amount of fluids. That is true whether you are exercising or not. Knowing the risks of dehydration is paramount when deciding what to drink during a workout, though. You probably don’t want to reach for the iced latte when it’s time to do five sets of squats. Water or electrolyte-rich beverages may help you replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, while other drinks can help provide protein and carbohydrates post-workout.

When you consider that more than 60% of the body is made up of water, it is clear that water is necessary for the body to function. It is very easy to lose water when you work out, especially if you are someone who sweats a lot. Drinking water not only helps to lubricate the joints, but it also aids tissue function, regulates body temperature, and helps transport nutrients throughout the body.

Choose The Right Beverage

Oftentimes, the simplest solution is the best one, and that’s especially true for a workout beverage. The average person only requires water during and after a workout, according to nutritionists. If you are an athlete or you spend more than three hours at a time doing your workout, you may want to opt for chocolate milk post-workout. Nutritionists explain that chocolate milk contains sodium and calcium, both of which you lose via sweat. The protein aids cell and tissue repair, but keep in mind that you can feel sluggish if you drink chocolate milk after a workout. Instead, coconut water or sports drinks may be better and healthier choices. Avocados, bananas, orange juice, and other foods can also help you replenish electrolytes.

Don’t Drink Too Much

Believe it or not, it is possible to drink too much liquid during a workout. That said, it is more of a risk during triathlons and marathons. Athletes who consume a lot of fluids, even sports drinks, without intaking enough sodium can develop hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition. The symptoms of hyponatremia include:

• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Muscle cramps, weakness, or twitching
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures or coma

Make Sure To Consume Protein And Carbs

It’s no secret that exercise is beneficial for your overall health. It’s common to experience minor cell or tissue damage as a result of working out, though. Protein can help repair that damage, so consuming a beverage that contains protein after an intense workout may accelerate recovery. You can also expend a lot of energy during exercise, so you want to consume three times more carbohydrates than protein. That’s why some people drink milk or milk with protein powder after a workout. 

Consume The Right Amount

You don’t want to “drink until failure,” but there is also no set amount of water to drink during a workout. If you want to calculate your sweat rate, though, you will need to weigh yourself before and after you exercise and do some calculations. As a general rule of thumb for hydration, you should drink about half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day. That means that if you weigh 150 pounds, you divide that by two to get 75, so you drink 75 ounces of water per day. You can also drink four to eight ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout if you don’t want to do the math, or if you sweat a lot. 

Know The Risks Of Dehydration

A lot of complications can result from not drinking enough water, the most common of which is fatigue. Your blood thickens and the heart has to work harder if you don’t consume enough water. Not only does that tire you out quickly, but it can also increase the risk of the following:

• Fainting
• Confusion
• Shock
• Quick breathing
• Infrequent urination
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

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Summertime…and the weight loss is not so easy, especially if you have been struggling with weight for a while. The dream is to look “summertime fine” or “bikini ready,” but that is not easily achievable for everyone. The reality is that summer is hot, which can make you less motivated to exercise. It is also a time to attend picnics, barbecues, pool parties, and more, all of which provide unhealthy snacks, drinks, entrees, and desserts. 

There are many factors that make it difficult to lose weight during summer. We aim to detail three primary reasons that may be inhibiting your weight loss efforts. These issues do not get in everyone’s way, but they can be big obstacles for those struggling to get rid of some extra pounds. 

Changes In Routine

Whether the kids are out of school or you are taking time off work for vacations, summer is a common season to experience a change in routine. Seasonal schedule changes and other deviations from your regular day-to-day can hinder weight loss efforts. Summer camp drop-offs, errands, work, and more can force you to put exercise and healthy eating on the back burner. 

If you find yourself in a situation such as this, take a moment to reflect on your schedule. Try to identify areas during which you can prioritize your health. Dropping the kids off in the morning when you would typically be exercising? Consider taking a walk on your lunch break. Don’t have time to go grocery shopping or plan your meals? Try to order groceries online or enroll in a meal prep service. 

More Opportunities To Indulge

Cookouts, al fresco dining, and vacations are all events or experiences that make food a focal point. Making s’mores at the campfire, going for ice cream after dinner, or grilling hot dogs and burgers by the lake are just a few examples of summertime indulgences. All of these foods and food experiences make it a little harder to lose weight. 

If you want to stay on track and maintain weight loss efforts throughout summer, try your best to enjoy balanced meals, enjoy dessert in moderation, and limit your alcohol intake. If you happen to be at a cookout, scan the food options and think about how you want to build your plate. Walking up to the full spread and piling it on is the first mistake that leads to overeating. Ideally, pick one protein, limit your carbs, and select vegetables for the remainder of the plate. For dessert, choose a small piece of the one you want to enjoy the most. Really savor that flavor and be present in your enjoyment of that treat. 

Weather Changes

It can be very discouraging to go outside when the weather is hot and humid or dry and desert-like. Perhaps smoke from wildfires (depending on their occurrence and your location) or extreme humidity can make spending time outside near impossible. In these situations, you may want to swap your regular workout or exercise routine for lazy, sedentary activities inside where the air conditioning is blowing strong. 

Additionally, it’s possible to experience physical and hormonal changes during warmer weather. These changes can cause fluid retention, which can lead to modest weight gain and bloating. Very hot weather may even slow down your metabolism! 

Although all of these factors make it difficult to lose weight, it is not impossible to lose weight during the summer. You can counteract all of these roadblocks! Instead of exercising outside, attend a fitness class inside an air-conditioned studio. If you have central air conditioning at home, consider doing a workout in your living room. There are many online videos and apps that make working out anywhere possible. Lastly, remember to stay hydrated, even if you are retaining a little more fluid. It’s very common for people to remain in a state of dehydration during the warmer months. 

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