The 6 Best Weight Loss Tips for Spring

By Erin Miller, Skinny Ms.

While it’s true that there’s no time like the present to get in shape, there’s just something about springtime that makes losing weight more enjoyable. Warm weather is right around the corner, but there’s still plenty of time to shed some of those excess pounds. Set yourself up for success by applying these six best weight loss tips for spring to your lifestyle!

Why Spring is the Perfect Time for Losing Weight

The holidays are over, and the carb-craving cold weather has finally passed us by. It’s time to start anew, and spring is perfect for a healthy, fresh start! After all, the weather is optimal, the sun shines longer each day, and fresh foods are more readily available.

While these tips are gauged towards spring, they can help you lose weight regardless of the season. The single most important factor for successful weight loss is consistency. Use these weight-loss tips to figure out a daily fitness plan that works for you, and you’ll never look back!

1. 

Spring clean your kitchen

One of the first things you should do is clear out all the junk food from your pantry, cabinets, and refrigerator. Toss out anything that may derail you. We want you to start with a clean slate. Removing any potential temptations is a great way to stay on track!

2. 

Restock your kitchen with an assortment of veggies

One of the best things about this time of year is all of the fresh, green vegetables to choose from. Hit up your local farmer’s market or produce stand for the best, most affordable veggies. We love loading up our plates with vegetables because they offer a wide range of nutrients, and they’re generally very low in calories.

Check out the vegetables on our Whole Foods Shopping List. Keep in mind that salad greens are particularly fresh this time of year! If you’re a salad lover, be sure to save these recipes, too:

• Thai Chicken Veggie Salad with Peanut Dressing
• Spicy Black Bean and Shrimp Salad
• Spinach and Pear Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

3. 

Grab fresh fruit for a snack (or even dessert)

Fruit is also incredibly abundant in the springtime. Fruit makes an awesome snack, but it also makes a pretty great (and nutritious) dessert! Check out this Fruit and Vegetable Seasonality Chart for the best options for spring.

We have countless fruit-inspired recipes we think you’ll love. These are some of our favorites:

• Strawberry Rhubarb Buckwheat Bars
• Strawberry, Avocado, and Spinach Salad
• Green Tea Kiwi Berry Smoothie

4.

Try new, high-protein recipes

Protein is — by far — the most important macronutrient when it comes to weight loss. Eating plenty of protein means you’ll feel full and focused, recover faster from your workouts, and even burn more calories. Your body uses more energy to digest protein than it does carbs or fat, so the more you eat, the more calories you’ll burn!

Trying exciting new recipes that also happen to be loaded with protein will keep you on the path to success. Our 30-Day High-Protein Low-Carb Challenge is packed with awesome, protein-rich recipes that will help you lose weight.

5. 

Take advantage of the additional sunshine

In the spring, most of us turn our clocks forward an hour, which means we get some extra daylight in the evening time. If you’re not an early bird that loves to work out in the morning, this is the perfect opportunity to get your workout in at night! Take advantage of the late sunshine and get outside for some exercise.

In addition to the endorphin rush you get from exercise, sunshine has actually been found to improve your mood and health, as well. Working out outside is a win-win!

Try our Outdoor 4-Minute Fat Blaster or take our 30-Day Walk Off the Pounds Challenge.

6. 

Keep your new spring and summer wardrobe in mind

Very few things are as motivating as knowing you have a brand new bathing suit, sundress, or cut-offs waiting in your closet! Every time you feel like cheating on your diet or skipping your workout, think of those clothes. How do you want to look and feel when wearing them?

If you haven’t purchased any new warm-weather clothes yet, schedule a shopping trip as a reward. When you lose 5, 10, or 20 pounds, head to the mall and reward yourself with a new outfit!

See more at: Skinny Ms.