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Nearly two-thirds of Texas’ adult
population is currently overweight or obese. Like an expanding
waistline, that number continues to rise. Although Austin is
generally thought of as one of Texas’ fitter cities, many
Austinites want to become healthier and more energetic—and
shedding excess pounds can help. These five simple strategies
let you take advantage of all that Austin has to offer for
summertime weight loss.
Eat fresh.
While eating fresh fruits and vegetables all year-round is
recommended, it’s never easier to do than during the summer.
“Now is the time of year when Austin farmers’ markets are full
of just-picked produce,” says Felicia Montgomery, weight
management director with The Austin Diagnostic Clinic. “In
addition to containing disease-fighting nutrients, fruits and
vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, an essential
combination for weight loss.” Many farms and orchards in or near
Austin let you pick and pay for your own produce, an activity
that can help teach kids healthy eating habits. Tired of apples
and bananas? Select seasonal fruit like fresh figs, melons and
berries. Or try a new hybrid fruit like a pluot or aprium, which
are part plum, part apricot.
Change how you cook.
Now that your basket is stocked with fresh produce, how do you
keep it from sitting in your refrigerator? Fire up the barbeque,
says Montgomery. “Take advantage of the barbeque grills located
in many of Austin’s parks,” she adds. “Grilling is one of the
healthiest, quickest and easiest ways to cook vegetables as well
as lean meats.” Take advantage of the fact that the hot weather
curbs urgings for heavy foods and throw on a piece of
nutrition-packed fish. Low-calorie marinades, rubs and vinegars
can add flavor without the fat. Add a fresh salad as an
appetizer and lightly grill fruits for an unexpectedly delicious
dessert.
Dive in.
Heat from the grill getting to you? Dive into one of the many
water activities that Austin has to offer. Visit your local
pool, take a trip to Barton Springs or dive into a local lake.
“Swimming is one of the best ways to lose weight,” says
Montgomery. “It burns calories, is low impact and is a great way
to have fun and lose weight at the same time.” If you prefer to
be above the water, not in it, rent a kayak or canoe at Town
Lake.
Join a club.
Don’t want to exercise alone? No matter which activity you
enjoy, someone else in Austin does too. From hiking and biking
to flag football and walking, there’s a local club for everyone.
“Sometimes we all need a boost to become more active,” says
Montgomery. “If you’re having trouble getting out your front
door, Austin’s local activity clubs offer a range of times and
places to meet and can help you develop new skills in the
activity or sport that you enjoy.”
Tour the town.
Looking for a low-key activity that will keep you moving? Then
it’s time to explore the town. Even if you’re an Austin native,
you haven’t seen it all. Tie on your tennis shoes and take a
historic walking tour and learn about the town’s unique history
and culture. Grab a map at the Austin Visitor’s Center and visit
local museums on foot. “As long as you’re moving you’re burning
calories,” explains Montgomery. “Enjoying low-intensity
activities, like walking, on some days and higher intensity
activities on others is a smart way to keep from getting injured
and helps you enjoy—not dread—being active.”
Austin is a mecca for summertime activities that can help you
get off the couch and on your way to weight loss. “Losing weight
doesn’t have to be a constant battle,” says Montgomery. “Go out,
move and enjoy the fact you live in an area that offers easy and
inexpensive ways to stay fit.”
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The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC) is a multi-specialty clinic
with physicians representing 24 medical specialties at six
locations. To download an electronic version of this release,
visit www.delaune.com/ADC
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