Summer Shape Up with Balance Bar

Memorial Day was Monday.  I had the pleasure of watching my dad receive an award for being a Vietnam Vet.  Memorial Day is also the official start of summer for me.  With only a few days left of work, it really signifies summer and of course, time to wear white pants/shorts!  Yeah!

As I told you in this post, I love Balance Bars and how yummy and good for you they are.  They are the perfect snack to have on hand in your pool bag or beach bag or thrown in your purse for an emergency snack.

According to a recent survey by Balance Bar, 43{c754d8f4a6af077a182a96e5a5e47e38ce50ff83c235579d09299c097124e52d} of Americans feel most balanced during the summer! As we’re approaching June 21st, it’s the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather and start feeling more balanced.

Balance Bar Summer Shape Up

Gabby Reece has shared some tips for smart eating and staying active that help her feel more balanced. Try some of them at home to feel good inside and out as we get ready for summer!

  • Make it your own: There is not one right way to get it done. There is the right way that works for you. When it comes to eating healthy, find the foods you like and implement those into your daily diet. The same goes for exercise. If you hate the gym then find something outside that is manageable for you. This is not about torture; this is about creating a lifestyle that you can do week after week.
  • Watch the calendar: Use summer for motivation to shape up but don’t wait for June 21st. If you wait until summer actually starts, you’ll feel rushed and end up crash dieting or doing a crazy workout schedule. I personally like to keep a calendar in my kitchen and cross off the days as I countdown to bikini weather. The visual reminder – right where you eat – is helpful in keeping you on track.
  • Sign up a friend: We tend to be more successful at accomplishing some type of exercise if we have an accountability partner. Solicit a friend and maybe use this as your time to connect. You can train for a 5k together or join an outdoor boot camp; there are a lot more options now that the weather is improving.
  • Plan to snack: Take snacks (like fruit, nuts or a Balance Bar®) wherever you go to prevent mindless eating. If I have an afternoon or early evening workout planned, I make sure to have one of these handy an hour or so before so that I have plenty of energy to get in a good workout.
  • Variety is key: Make as many meals as you can at home so you can control your nutrition. These are some of my favorite recipes – fresh and full of veggies for springtime! To keep things interesting and fresh at my house, I try to rotate foods. One night I may go for something heavier with veggies and grains, and then the next night focus on proteins. I really try to change up the food and create a great deal of variety.
  • Each day is a new chance and it’s never too late: If you fall out of your summer shape up routine one day, don’t sweat it. Forgive yourself and move on – and just keep moving!

To see some of Gabby’s favorite fitness moves, click here and for more of Gabby’s tips for balancing fitness and a busy schedule click here.

Thank you to Balance Bar and Gabby for sharing these tips!  Such a great reminder!

What are your plans this summer?  I made summer goals yesterday and I am excited to do well this summer!  Have you tried Balance Bar’s yet?  If so, what is your favorite kind?

Look for a fun giveaway tomorrow on the blog!  You won’t want to miss it!

I received product as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar.

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