The college years can be some of the best in our lives; but often those years include a few extra pounds that we’d rather not take with us after graduation. What if there was a way to ward off the cravings, replace low energy with abundant energy and stay in shape through the summer months and beyond? Well, there is! And with very little effort on your part, you can be your absolute best come the start of the Fall school year. The Summer months are just moments away; so get started now!
1. *WATER AND THEN MORE WATER: Drinking water is a crucial factor to the success of any fat loss program. To help rid your body of excess fat around the abdomen, you need to drink around 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
By drinking an 8 ounce glass of water 20 to 30 minutes prior to eating a meal you can decrease the amount of calories consumed at each meal and will you be able recognize the difference between thirst and hunger.
2. *EAT MORE WHOLE GRAINS: I know what you’re thinking: But what about all the diets that say don’t eat carbohydrates? Well, the fact of the matter is that the consumption of carbohydrates has been a staple in the human diet for centuries, without the effect of weight gain…It has only occurred in the last century that the ingestion of carbohydrates has been attributed to weight gain; but the real reason for all the excess weight is simply due to the incessant eating of artificial, chemical and high sugar foods, as well as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. The benefits of eating whole grains far outweighs the results of sudden rush and energy sugar crashes caused by refined sugars and beverages.
3. *EAT MORE LEAFY GREENS: When I was a child, it would take mighty efforts to get me to ingest leafy greens, let alone vegetable at all. But, as an adult I’ve come to realize how important the regular consumption of leafy greens is, and just how tasty and beneficial they are for my body. Some of the many benefits gained from dark leafy greens include:
- Clearing of congestion and reduces mucus
- High in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc & vitamins A, C, E and K
- Contain high amounts of folic acid, fiber and chlorophyll
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improves circulation
- Helps ward off depression
4. *TRY DIFFERENT FORMS OF PROTEIN: Protein is a vital component to any diet in order to promote healthy muscles, skin and hair. Because every person’s body is different, the protein requirements for one person can be remarkably different from another; and even after a period of time, these needs can change. I recommend experimenting with a variety of protein sources that taste and feel good to you.
5. *CONSUME LESS: Dairy, Meat, Sugar, Artificial Foods, Alcohol, Tobacco and Coffee: Cutting back on dairy, meat, sugar, artificial foods, alcohol, tobacco and coffee are great ways to recover from sickness, energize the body and keep addictive behavior at bay. The effects that these foods have on the body include vitamin deficiency, allergies, chronic disease, inhibited mineral absorption, higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis (coffee) and more.
6. STOP EXCESSIVE CARDIO: Your body does not need an exhorbant amount of cardio exercise! Incorporating 2, 20-30 minute sessions of cardio per week is plenty to amp up your metabolism..and your body will thank you for it!
7. ADD SOME FREE WEIGHTS: There was a time when weights were only seen as a Man’s equipment. But ladies, that is smply not true! By adding free weights (dumbbells) to your workout routine, will put your fat loss into overdrive, have a soar in energy and begin to see muscles you never knew you had. 
8. DON’T SPEND HOURS AT THE GYM: In fact, don’t go to the gym at all! Carve out 20 minutes a day (4-5 days per week) working a specific area of your body for optimum results. You don’t need much space and little to no equipment.
9. GIVE YOURSELF SOME QUIET TIME: The importance of connecting with yourself can never be overstated. Here are some suggestions to grounding yourself and gaining energy.
- Connect to nature
- Read words of inspiration
- Listen to calming music
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Perform a random act of kindness
10. HAVE FUN!: The key to changing your body is enjoying the process. Pair up with a friend or two and make it a game. Enjoy the many wonderful changes that are bound to occur!
* Denotes excerpts from the Ebook, Be A Fit Mama: Transform Your Body in Just 20 Minutes a Day, available not on Amazon Kindle.
