Summer can feel like one long semi-vacation -- and it’s easy to fall into the trap of the “anything goes” vacay mindset for, oh, three whole months. If you’ve indulged more often than you planned (hello, barbecue, ice cream and many glasses of frose!), you may be itching to get back on track and recommit to clean eating this fall. Here are three simple ways you can prepare to hit reset after Labor Day.
1. Eat every 3 to 5 hours.
And start with breakfast, even if you don’t feel especially hungry first thing in the morning. Regular meals help regulate your hunger hormones, keep your blood sugar and insulin levels steady and maximize your metabolism -- which are all key factors for seeing quick weight-loss results.Get in the habit of prepping clean meals and snacks, and choose some go-to recipes so you can stock up on the right ingredients. A good breakfast option is a veggie-and-avocado omelet with a side of fresh fruit. For lunch try fresh greens lightly tossed with vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, Dijon, lemon and Italian seasoning, and topped with lean protein, avocado and a small scoop of quinoa or chickpeas.
