Turn bad habits into good ones for a summer-ready body

Spring is here. Time to get your body in shape for summer. Just as all those bad habits can add up to feeling chunky and out of shape, reversing those little negatives into positives will make a world of difference.

1. Portions: The small act of reducing the amount eaten at each meal really adds up. Try avoiding a second helping or intentionally putting less on your plate to begin with.
2. Timing: Eat the majority of your calories during the day time. Your body is better equipped to process the food earlier in the day rather than late afternoon. Along the same lines, keep dinners lighter.
3. Stretch: Incorporate stretching for strength into your day. Call it yoga if you want, but doing a 10-minute stretch routine each morning can significantly reduce fat-inducing stress. Plus a more relaxed you is less likely to revert to bad habits.
4. Schedule: Set a schedule for working out that is realistic. Try not to commit to 6 days a week when you have previously fit in 6 days a month. Does working out in a group or with a friend help your motivation? Maybe a fitness class 3 days a week or running with a friend is the right routine for you.

Making small, realistic steps towards losing that winter weight will add up to a big difference. Who knows? Maybe the habits you form will follow you through summer into fall and create a permanently healthier you!