As spring brings back color and warmth to the outdoors, many people use this time to get back in shape and lose the extra pounds they put on during the winter holiday season. Weight loss is beneficial for many reasons, including preventing varicose veins from forming or existing ones from worsening.
Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins that often appear on the legs and feet, caused by blood in the veins leaking in the wrong direction.
Signs of varicose veins include:
- Veins that are dark purple or blue
- Veins thart are twisted, swollen, or lumpy
- Skin discoloration
- Pain in the legs
- Swelling, itching, or burning
- Legs that feel tired or heavy
By living an active, healthy lifestyle, varicose veins can be prevented. Regular exercise can lower your blood pressure and encourage better blood circulation, lowering your risk for varicose veins. If you want to avoid developing varicose veins, or want to ensure your existing ones don’t get worse, you may benefit from embarking on a weight loss journey this spring.
Spring is the perfect time to start up your fitness journey, as the weather is optimal and the season symbolizes a fresh start. If you are looking to shape up this spring, we’ve got you covered with five helpful weight loss tips.
Eat a High Protein Diet
Protein is the most important macronutrient when it comes to fitness goals of any kind, especially weight loss. Incorporating high amounts of protein into your diet allows your stomach to feel full and your muscles to recover faster from your workouts, which in turn can help to burn more calories. Protein is a key component in muscle growth, and the more muscle you build, the more calories you can burn.
Some good sources of protein are eggs, lean meats, fish, dairy products, seeds and nuts, and legumes. If you follow a vegetarian diet or abstain from dairy, many plant-based alternatives provide a good source of protein as well.
Take Advantage of the Weather
The warm temperatures that accompany spring are perfect for exercise. Whether you’re going for a leisurely walk, a mile run, or doing some HIIT outside, it can be much more enjoyable during the spring. The comfortable weather may prompt you to take the scenic route or push yourself to go a little longer in your outdoor workout.
The extra hour of daylight is also a bonus, as it gives you more time to get a workout in. If you aren’t exactly an early riser, you can still catch a workout after work while the sun is still out.
Fill Up On Fruits and Veggies
Springtime is the perfect time to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. Fruits and veggies are a great low-calorie snack, and some fruits can be a delicious dessert!
When you are trying to lose weight, you don’t have to undereat or avoid food when you are hungry. Eating a high volume of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables will take up space in your stomach and keep you full without adding a lot of calories.
Spring Clean Your Kitchen
As you make headway on your spring cleaning, add the kitchen pantry to your list of duties. Loading your plate with fruits and vegetables will be much easier when you’ve filled your kitchen with them.
Swap out the processed, unhealthy foods in your pantry for whole foods with nutritional value. You can still have treats and snacks on hand, but try placing them in the back of the pantry, and the healthier options in front, so you can avoid unnecessary temptation.
Keep a Food Log
While it may seem tedious or excessive, writing down what you eat can help you reach your weight loss goals, as well as monitor your progress. Whether you write them down in a journal or an online app, talk with a nutritionist, or even tell it to a friend, you will gain a better understanding of your eating habits.
When you are fully aware of your eating habits, you may think twice about making a poor food choice. It is also easier to set clear, realistic goals when you know how you are currently eating, and how you should be eating to get to where you want to be.
Losing weight can be a long and difficult process, but there is no better time than now to start. As long as you implement healthy, sustainable habits and set realistic goals, you should have no problem reaching your ideal physique and easing your worries about varicose veins. If you are struggling with varicose veins, Star Veins and Aesthetics offers the best treatment for varicose veins in Long Island, NY.
Star Veins & Aesthetics provides the latest aesthetic & vein treatment in Bay Shore, New York. It is our ongoing mission to help every one of our patients receive the treatment they need to feel great about their skin and body. Request an appointment online today, or call us at 516-606-7811!
