How to Avoid Spring Weight Gain

7 Must Dos to Avoid Spring Weight Gain

Apr 17 2018 by Jenny Sugar

Yes, springtime weather may encourage us to eat cooling salads and go for exhilarating runs outside, but if you're not careful, warmer temps can also lead to weight gain. Check out these must-follow tips to keep a lean bod in time to show it off in your bikini this Summer.

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Restock Your Cupboards

Winter is all about carby comfort foods like pasta, bread, cereal, creamy soups, buttery potatoes, and crunchy carb-loaded snacks. Go a little lighter by restocking your kitchen with foods high in fibre and protein like fresh veggies, broth-based soups, whole grains, nuts, and beans.

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Sign Up For a Summer Race

Stay on track with exercise by signing up for a race in June or July. Since you'll have to keep up with a training schedule, it's an effective way to inspire regular workouts throughout the Spring season. Here's a 16-week beginner half-marathon training plan.

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Pass That Lemonade on By

While sipping a lemonade or mojito on your deck seems like the perfect way to cool off, a tall glass means you're sipping down about 150 to 250 calories. Skip high-calorie refreshing drinks like sugary juice, shakes, or sodas, and opt for tonic with a squeeze of orange or good old H2O with grapefruit. And if a cocktail is calling your name, make one of our low-cal warm-weather cocktail recipes.

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Limit the Outdoor Cafe Spring Celebrations

You know it's Spring when restaurants start opening up their outside seating. Strolling by an outdoor café, catching wafts of delicious aromas, and seeing plates of tasty bites just about drags you to sit down, too. But if you want to prevent weight gain, limit the amount of restaurant meals you eat — even "healthy" items are laden with calories! If you want to celebrate Spring with a friend, meet them for a calorie-burning walk or bike ride in the park instead. If the lure of an outdoor café is too much, follow these tips for saving calories at a restaurant.

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Don't Ditch the Gym Membership Just Yet

The first couple weeks of warm weather inspire us to take walks along the seaside, hike on woodsy trails, or hop on our bikes. But unless you're committed to exercising as regularly as you did at your gym, don't give up that membership just yet. Without consistently working out and burning calories, it won't take long for the pounds to creep on. Besides, you may need a fallback for all those Spring showers.

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Enjoy Spring Veg Without the Extra Calories

Full of antioxidants, folate, and fibre, asparagus is also bursting with delicious earthy flavour. Six medium spears is about 20 calories, so it's a delicious way to fill you up without busting out of your new capris. Take advantage of asparagus and other detoxing Spring vegetables, but don't undo the good by piling on high-calorie and high-fat butter, cheese, or cream sauce. Lightly steam or grill veggies with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and enjoy them as nature intended.

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Don't Overdo It on the Burgers, Beers, and Barbecues

The first barbecues of the season are starting, and you know what that means — high-calorie, high-fat foods like cheeseburgers, sausages, and hot dogs, served with a side of condiments, potato salad, chips, and brewskis. Barbecues are practically the definition of warm weather, but don't go overboard. Load up on the fresh veg, grill chicken or fish, kick back with just one beer, and enjoy fresh fruit for dessert. Keep your barbecue healthy with these diet-friendly side dish recipes.

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