Why Summers Are a Great Time for Weight Loss Surgery
Summertime is an excellent opportunity for weight loss, including for those who have undergone bariatric surgery. If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to get started on your weight loss journey, summer can help you hit the ground running.
Why Summer Is Great After Weight Loss Surgery
Summer can make it easier to get a strong start losing weight in the following ways.
Easier Appetite Control
Many people find that they don’t have as much of an appetite during the hot days of summer. Research actually supports this phenomenon. One study found that hotter temperatures tend to diminish appetite, especially around lunch time, which could make it easier to stay on a diet during the summer.
That said, there will still be some sources of temptation. Finding a healthy balance during the summer is key to making sustained progress after weight loss surgery.
More Outdoor Fun
Naturally, the warmer weather makes it easier to get outside for some fun summer activities. There are many ways to stay active in the summer, from swimming and hiking to outdoor sports and games! It’s also a great opportunity to meet other people and build a group of friends with similar goals.
Better Moods
With the extra sunshine, you’ll also have more opportunities to get some vitamin D. Vitamin D has been associated with reduction in clinical depression symptoms, which can play a role in weight loss. Often, a tendency to overeat can be related to symptoms of depression, anxiety, etc., which means the sunny months could make it easier to jump into a healthier lifestyle.
Fun Outdoor Weight Loss Activities for Summer
When it comes to getting outside for exercise, summer offers many opportunities. Here are a few fun ideas you can try out.
Neighborhood Walks
Going for a walk around the neighborhood is a low-impact way to increase your physical activity, and it’s a common exercise for people who have just undergone weight loss surgery.
Hiking
If you want to get out in nature a little more, hiking is another fun way to exercise. Whether it’s a low-impact stroll through a nature park or a more remote march through the wilderness, hiking allows you to surround yourself with relaxing greenery while burning some calories.
Swimming
Swimming is great for people of all ages since it offers plenty of resistance without straining your joints as much as other workouts. Swimming has also been shown to improve mood, which can have its own benefits for weight loss.
Gardening
Gardening can be a surprisingly effective way to stay active during the day. It involves plenty of bending, squatting, digging, and lifting, making it a relaxing way to burn calories for a couple hours each day.
5 Tips for Summer Weight Loss
As you spend more time outside, it will be important to take steps to make sure it’s a healthy and pleasant experience. Here are five tips to help you accomplish that.
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is an essential component of weight loss, and it’s also vital to spending time outside on hot days. Always take water with you when you head outside to work out, and make sure you hydrate at regular intervals throughout the day.
2. Protect Your Skin
The sunshine may be great for your mood, but it can also harm your skin. Sunscreen, a good hat, and loose-fitting clothing can all prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion while you’re active outdoors.
3. Pick a Favorite Workout Routine
Third, it helps to pick workout routines you enjoy. If you find yourself hating a particular routine, try something else! Naturally, your exercises of choice should still be effective, but they should also be something you like doing. If you enjoy it, you’re more likely to keep at it.
4. Avoid Midday
Exercise is usually best done during the early morning or later in the afternoon or evening. There’s usually no need to subject yourself to the heat of the sun during the hottest time of day.
5. Exercise with Friends
Finally, find some workout buddies! Being active with friends is not only more fun, but it also adds people to your support group to help you keep going.
Getting the Most Out of Summer for Your Weight Loss Goals
When reaching your goal weight requires outside help, bariatric surgery and a solid support system can help. Malladi Bariatrics and Advanced Surgery can assist you with both. Learn more or get in touch to get started.