By Dr. Seun Sowemimo
In celebration of an extra hour of daylight thanks to the recent change to Daylight Savings Time, I spent last weekend tuning up my bicycle in preparation for the warmer days ahead. Personally, I’m more than ready to put away my stationary bike for the winter. Heading back outside reminded me this is a great time of year to update my fitness and nutrition routine. Everything is fresh and new–longer days, fresher food and hopefully a season where the pandemic continues to weaken.
One caveat of a long-term weight loss program is boredom, so it’s especially important to change things up. These five simple suggestions can help reinvigorate your lifestyle strategy–just in time for the season of renewal:
Dig into fresh plant-based foods
“Clean eating” tastes better than boxed food any day. It also helps you to offset cravings for sugar, salt and low-quality carbs that processed foods ignite. Keep an eye out for the opening of your local New Jersey farmers’ markets and stock up on whole foods that come from plants. I’m starting to see more produce stores opening and re-opening around town as well. They often have great prices on your favorite fruits and vegetables, so stock up and freeze what you can’t use right away.
Change up your exercise routine
Stuck in the gym all winter? Bypass the treadmill (keep it as a backstop for rainy or blustery spring days). Instead, jog in the park or walk on the beach. Invite a friend you haven’t seen in a while to catch up and burn calories at the same time. Head back to nature for a hike at the nearby Holmdel Park. It’s beautiful there.
Get cooking
Freshen up your regular meal repertoire, even if it’s just a new side dish or substituting grilled tofu for chicken (try it–you’re in for a meat-free treat!). Roast farm-fresh plums, peaches or pears for a warm but sweet dessert option. Find a blog that offers tasty but good-for-you recipes that you and your family or guests can enjoy. Bring a recipe you love to our monthly support group and share it!
Try something new
One of the great benefits of living here in central New Jersey is that you can be in the city, the country, the mountains or the ocean in a matter of minutes. Give your mind something new to see and smell. Breathe in the fresh air of a new destination for a change of pace. My family loves to spend a Saturday walking through the Grounds for Sculpture.
Nurture your mental health
The start of a new season is the perfect opportunity to renew, refresh and reinvigorate your mind, body and soul. By being mentally and physically healthy, you’ll be in top form to enjoy many bright days ahead. Try to spend time alone every day to clear your mind. Try a meditation session on the Calm app or try a course in person that includes stress-reducing music; try a yoga class with a friend. The past two years have caused significant emotional trauma to many of us. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues or other challenges keeping you from fully enjoying life, speak with your primary healthcare provider for recommendations for mental health professionals for support and guidance.
Keep an eye out for Bariatric Group Fitness 2022
On the second Saturday morning of the month, join me, our bariatric team and any past, present or future bariatric warrior to get together and walk, jog or bike together. Work out and meet other people like you who are on the weight loss journey of their lives. Details: https://primesurgicare.com/bariatric-fitness-group/
If you’re frustrated by your weight loss efforts and have a lot of weight to lose, consider a bariatric surgery option. At Prime Surgicare, the weight loss surgery process is far more than just an operation.
Our exclusive Prime Surgicare Bariatric Success Program offers a multi-pronged support network of unique tools to help you before, during and after your weight loss journey.
Are you ready to find out more?
Attend or tune in to one of our free patient webinars online, where you can ask our Prime bariatric team specific questions. You can also make an appointment for a private consultation.
About Prime Surgicare – Freehold & Jackson
Prime Surgicare medical director Dr. Seun Sowemimo and surgical associate Dr. Jolita Auguste are board-certified bariatric surgeons in NJ. They specialize in minimally invasive weight loss surgery and general surgery procedures, including diverticulitis, gallbladder and hernia conditions. They are the top NJ surgeons at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold and Jackson.
To learn more, call Prime Surgicare at (732) 414-2707.