I am writing this entry towards the end of Memorial Day Weekend. This is usually construed as the start of the summer season although summer does not officially start until June. Concerning weight control, there are a number of challenges that summer brings with this seasonal change. Here are some of those challenges to our quest to shed weight:
- Vacations: The majority of people take their vacation time during the summer season. The concept of “VACATION” also extends to taking a vacation from the dietary behaviors required to shed weight. Bring on the carbs and booze…it is our VACATION!
- Hot weather: When we feel hot and thirsty, many people will turn to beer and sugar-containing drinks to quench and rehydrate.
- Boating people and socialization: Many people that enjoy boating on the weekends get together with their boating friends and alcohol usage is a very typical socialization behavior.
- Summer fruit: Many people will eat much more fruit during the summer. Watermelon, grapes and other assorted high-sugar fruits are a summertime staple
- Staying up later (and snacking): Given the expanded sunlight time, many people stay up later than during the cold/dark winter nights. This may lead to nighttime snacking that does not normally occur when we bed down earlier
- “Swimsuit Season” is already here: One of the many motivations for losing weight is the desire to look better in public. During the summer, we shed those heavy winter coats that hide our bodies. The attire for the summer includes clothes, such as bathing suits, that will reveal our bodies. This motivation is strong right before the summer season (late winter/early spring) and during the summer that motivation disappears because it is then “too late”.
There are other challenges that the summer brings to us in our quest to be at a healthy/happy weight. Being aware of these challenges is the first step in being able to navigate around them.
Falling in love during the summer season does not impact weight control. Enjoy a wonderful Neil Diamond song that flies under the radar screen of his top hits.
