Beat the Heat and those Summer Cravings!

Summertime! Shorts, tank tops, swimwear...lot's of skin showing.

Now is the time we wished we were at our ideal weight. Not only to look good, but to be able to take part in all the activities summertime has to offer. It should be easy to lose a few pounds right now, with all of that motivation! Not so much.

Summer is a weight challenge. Just like every other season! Summer means cook-outs, vacations, school breaks, long days, no routines! All of these things add up to dieting disaster. Just when we want to get slim, be slim, stay slim...the summer crazies open up the door to icecream!

Summertime is not when you want to gain five pounds! Well, is there ever a good time for that?

It's mid-June. That means there is still time to gain control of your summer weight. "No school" means less routine and structure for most families. Structure makes it easier to stick to a plan of any kind! Make sure you are eating your meals and snacks at the same time each day. This keeps your blood sugar levels steady and your belly full. You'll be much less likely to binge this way.

The days are longer. But that shouldn't translate to more meals! Save a snack for the evening-time if you need to, but be aware that more daylight does not increase your need for calories.

Make sure you are not skimping on your sleep. That will make it even more difficult to stay on your plan. Get your eight hours of shut eye!

It's hot outside. Exercise might be the last thing on your mind. Those daily walks you were taking in the spring seem like torture now that it's 95 degrees! Time to switch up the exercise routine. Break out the old exercise DVDs or the Wii Fit. You will be much more likely to exercise indoors this time of year.

Did you know that moderate exercise is a natural appetite suppressant AND releases all those feel-good hormones we love? Don't make any excuses! Make it a priority to stick to your good eating habits this summer.