Joint Pain

It’s time to get in shape for the summer! 

When summer rolls around and you are wearing less clothing, you definitely want to feel good about yourself and your body.  Plus, you’ll want to be in shape so you can keep up with the kids at the water park, ride the waves in the ocean and go for long walks in the park.  Here are a few tips to keep you in shape this summer:

Access when you are hungry and when you are full. 
This may sound like common sense but most adults eat because the clock tells us it is time to eat or we see tasty food in front of us.  The next time you are ready to dig in, ask yourself if you are hungry or if you need food.  Then, monitor your fullness levels and save your leftovers.

Follow the 80/20 rule. 
Eat healthy about 80% of the time and allow yourself that 20% for “cheat” foods.

Enlist the help of a workout partner. 
This may mean that you grab your coworker to walk during lunch, sign up for boot camp or a personal trainer or tell your child you’ll bike with them.  Find out what works for you and get going.

Schedule your physical activity. 
Many people plan for happy hour or plan their child’s birthday.  Well, it’s time to start scheduling your date with the gym, park, walking buddy or boot camp.  When you’ve carved out the time it is harder to come up with an excuse.

Allow yourself a few slipups. 
Many people get discouraged when they forgo an entire week’s worth of workouts or they thrown in the towel when their beach trip turns into a 4-day feast.  Resolve to be a little easier on yourself and get right back on track.  Don’t dwell on what you can’t change or beat yourself up about it.

Take a Calcium and Vitamin D Supplement
Calcium is involved in the regulation of various enzymes that control muscle contraction, fat digestion, and metabolism.  A recent study has found that calcium plus vitamin D supplementation can increase weight loss in people with calcium deficiency.  Read more  Both are very important for optimal bone health nutrition.