Craig Ramsay's healthy tips to shape up for summer

If you were one of the countless people who made New Year’s resolutions to hit the gym this year, more than likely life got in the way and your determination fizzled out. You are not alone. An estimated 92% of people who make this goal do not follow through. There is another reason right around the corner to start eating lighter and exercising more.

Do you hear that? It’s the beach calling and as we move in to warmer temps an estimated 54% of women and 45% of men are unhappy with their bodies. While layering in the winter can hide a few extra pounds the impending arrival of summer has some of us looking for healthy ways to lose those last pesky 10. For this, we look to an expert in the health and fitness industry.

With over 12 years in the health industry, Craig Ramsay is listed as one of People Magazine’s top fitness experts and was first introduced to the American public on Bravo’s Thintervention, where he co-hosted with Jack Warner. Craig’s approach to wellness is one of the most inuque and effective was of promoting health, movement and self-care. Colin Farrell called him genius and Sharon Osbourne said he is brilliant. Here are Craig’s guidelines for losing those last few pounds.

Cutting the calories where you typically won’t miss them, breakfast and late night is key. Replace your usual breakfast with a protein shake and ditch those on-the-go bars that are full of calories AND a ton pf sugar for a lower calorie and satisfying shake treat. Recipes below

Make it easy for yourself to workout – organize your fitness:

Prep the night before:

Choose and pack your workout outfit, necessary toilettes, makeup, hair clip/elastic, sweat towel, your running shoes and lock.
Prepare your morning coffee the evening before. Program the coffee maker timer 5 minutes before your alarm is set to ring, so your sense of smell will wake you up with your alarm.
Place a bottle of water in the fridge ready for morning use.
Squeeze a half lemon and toss it in a large glass of water, then leave it on your night stand. Drinking lemon water immediately after waking up, will not only help your pH balance but lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And my experience is that when I start the day off right, it’s easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.
Boost your metabolism easily by including cinnamon, grapefruit, spicy foods and green tea into your daily eating plan.

Training:

Hot & Cold training (Intervals)

While training, switch between lower, medium and high intensity for periods every minute. If you are already doing high intensity exercise, sprint for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds and repeat.
Buy a heart rate monitor so you can keep track of medium and high heart rates.
Try circuit or interval-based classes. I recommend a spin class, boot camp, barre and/or flow yoga.

Craig Ramsay’s Shake Recipes

Breakfast or Morning Shake