Helping our patients lose weight and get on a healthier path is what we specialize in here at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. And during the warm summer months, if there’s one thing we all love to do – it’s get outside. With Labor Day right around the corner, it’s time to admit that the end of summer is near. That means this is the perfect time to recommit to your summer health goals. You can still lose weight by Labor Day.
Taking a nature walk is something you can do alone or with your family. Summer marks the perfect time to make the most of the Great Outdoors.
Enjoying the great outdoors is a simple way to support and establish healthy habits. It can be as simple as taking a daily walk in your neighborhood or as exciting as a hiking adventure in a nearby or national park. Our Medical Weight Loss Clinic staff shared their suggestions for the best ways to make the most of the great outdoors before we return to our fall and winter routines.
Fran Yee, Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s marketing director, says that spending time outdoors is a healthy way to get our vitamins.
“Direct sunlight is our bodies' main source of Vitamin D, and we can still obtain it - even on cloudy days,” she says. “Even just a few minutes of sun exposure a day can help increase Vitamin D levels, which has been known to help boost our mood. It's also a great way to start a new healthy routine - whether it's walking, biking or jogging.”
She suggests patients try to find any reason to spend some time outside each day.
Marlene Kulka, manager of Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s location in White Lake, has seen an increase in patients adding more outdoor activity to their schedules.
Many are headed out on the water. She’s heard from patients who are spending more time stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking.
“Even just to get outside and get on the water, you feel better,” she says.
Rene Stephan, regional manager for Medical Weight Loss Clinic, agrees.
“I am a big fan of the water,” says Rene. “Being in downtown Detroit on the Detroit Riverwalk works for me.”
She suggests finding a wide open outdoor space – whether it’s your backyard, or a neighborhood park. Anywhere you can bring healthy snacks, pack a picnic and play games in the open air. It can help to improve your mood and boost your health.
Rene suggests trying out old favorite games - like playing frisbee, flying kites, tossing a beach ball around or whirling a hoola hoop.
“Simple things can get you moving,” she says.
Getting outside, getting more movement into your day doesn’t have to be difficult. Schedule in time for yourself or your family. Make it a priority and set a simple goal.
Abby Nyitray, medical assistant at Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Toledo and Perrysburg locations, says: “Crossing something off the list brings a huge sense of accomplishment. And if you do something extra - that's not on your list - write it down and cross it off. Give yourself all the credit you deserve.”
Looking for more ways to get healthy? Find out more about Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s customized programs. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.
