By Michelle George

Summer means short shorts, bikinis and lots of skin. The hot weather dictates that you shed the extra layers to stay cool and comfortable. However, for some this also brings dread and thoughts of hiding from the sun. This does not have to be you. There are several healthy eating plans that you can incorporate into your daily routine to shed the extra weight and stay looking great all summer long.

One of the most important things you can do is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are spending a lot of time in the sun. Use the following summer diet suggestions to look and feel great for the warm days ahead.

Eat Light

Instead of eating three big, heavy meals focus on lighter selections when you eat. For example, have a yogurt with granola for breakfast, a chicken Cesar salad for lunch and fish or chicken for dinner. This will keep you from packing on extra pounds and help you stay active all summer long.

Revamp your Desserts

While that chocolate molten cake may be tempting, opt for a seasonal selection instead. Take advantage of all the fresh summer fruits and make delicious desserts that will still satisfy your sweet tooth. One example would be to make a strawberry dish with a light whipped topping. You can substitute the ice cream for a frozen yogurt. This is a great way to keep your weight down and enjoy summer favorites.

Focus on Healthy Snacks

Instead of grabbing a handful of greasy potato chips, opt for pita chips or pretzels. There are several healthy options you can choose for summer that will help you keep the weight off. Also try to incorporate several smaller snacks throughout the day instead of three big meals. These smaller meals will help to keep your metabolism up and give you energy to enjoy your summer.

Avoid Alcohol

Sugary alcoholic drinks can quickly lead to dehydration in the summer. They also lead to excessive weight gain. You should avoid all of these drinks is possible and opt for light selections if you just have to have a drink. There are a world of light beers to choose from that can help you beat summer weight gain.

Grill Smart Selections

There is no doubt that you will be breaking out the grill this summer. Instead of eating fatty hamburgers and hotdogs, opt for healthy turkey franks or turkey burgers. These taste practically the same and save hundreds of unneeded calories that make you fat. The summer is the perfect time to grill, making smart selections can help you keep extra pounds at bay.

Do not Eat Directly before Bedtime

You should eat your last meal or snack at least two to three hours before bedtime. If you choose to eat right before you go to sleep, chances are that you will pack on the pounds fairly quickly. When your body is at rest you do not burn as many calories, which means that they are stored as fat leading to extra layers of fat on your body.

There is no doubt that you will want to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer. However, the hot weather may make you hesitant to wear the skimpy clothes of the season. With the tips found here and diet suggestions you can lose unwanted pounds and ensure that you look and feel great all summer long. Be sure you also implement some type of exercise in your regimen. When you do, it helps to have the right clothing. There are countless Fabletics Coupons to help you save money on your fitness apparel so be sure to take advantage of these.

– Michelle George has been writing for us for several months now, always providing great insight and useful tips for our readers on everything relating to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping active, and staying fit! Don’t forget to check out her author profile to see more of her great contributions to our blog.