I think summer is the easiest time of year to lose weight. The stores are full of produce, both fruits and veggies, and they cost less than during any other season. And it's much easier to exercise when you can be outside without having to wear umpteen layers of clothing just to take a walk.
If you are a snacker (like I am) or a grazer (like I am), this is the time of year to just fill your frig and the counters of your kitchen with alternatives to your regular munchies. It's not about cutting back on food -- it's about making sure the food you snack on is good for you.
Sure, swimsuit season is already here, and you're more drawn to those "Lose 10 pounds in 10 minutes" kind of diets. Yeah, me too. But we both know they only work for 10 minutes, too. And while I'm a sucker for New Year's Resolutions -- it always seems seductive to have a fresh start on a year in which we could lose weight, exercise, get rid of debt, organize the family photos and start a compost pile, all at once -- it's just never easy for me to eat as healthfully or exercise as much in the winter months.
So make this a different kind of resolution. Just resolve to have a better eating day, every day. Don't put huge restrictions on yourself, because you'll balk. Don't say "I won't eat any ice cream" or "No sugar for me," because the first thing you want is ice cream and sugar.
Instead, practice using the word "more." Yes, that's right, I said "more."
As in, this week I will drink more water.
Or, today I will eat more fruit.
Or, on this grocery trip I will buy more produce, and not let it spoil.
Or, today I will do more exercise.
How much is "more"? That's easy. It's just more than before. It's an easy success. If you usually drink a glass of water a day, and you drink two, then you've had more. If you don't usually eat any fruit and you eat an apple, you've eaten more. You've done something good for yourself. No penalties. No intensive keeping track of things. Nothing to beat yourself up about. Even if you have the ice cream later, you still had more of what is good for you.
If you build on the effort, it becomes self-sustaining. I promise. Have some more.