Hot summer days don’t mean you have to give up staying in shape, or shedding pounds.  Eat fresh. While eating fresh fruits and vegetables all year-round is recommended, it’s never easier to do than during the summer. “Now is the time of year when Austin farmers’ markets are full of just-picked produce,” says Felicia Montgomery, weight management director with The Austin Diagnostic Clinic. 

“In addition to containing disease-fighting nutrients, fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, an essential combination for weight loss.” Many farms and orchards in or near Austin let you pick and pay for your own produce, an activity that can help teach even kids healthy eating habits.Tired of apples and bananas? Select seasonal fruit like fresh figs, melons and berries. Or try a new hybrid fruit like a pluot or aprium, which are part plum, part apricot.
Change how you cook. Now that your basket is stocked with fresh produce, how do you keep it from sitting in your refrigerator? Fire up the barbeque, says Montgomery. “Take advantage of the barb-eque grills located in many of Austin’s parks,” she adds. “Grilling is one of the healthiest, quickest and easiest ways to cook vegetables as well as lean meats.” Take advantage of the fact that the hot weather curbs urgings for heavy foods and throw on a piece of nutrition-packed fish. Low-calorie marinades, rubs and vinegars can add flavor without the fat. Add a fresh salad as an appetizer and lightly grill fruits for an unexpectedly delicious dessert.

Dive in. Heat from the grill getting to you? Dive into one of the many water activities that Austin has to offer. Visit your local pool, take a trip to Barton Springs or dive into a local lake. “Swimming is one of the best ways to lose weight,” says Montgomery. “It burns calories, is low impact and is a great way to have fun and lose weight at the same time.” If you prefer to be above the water, not in it, rent a kayak or canoe at Town Lake.

Join a club. Don’t want to exercise alone? No matter which activity you enjoy, someone else in Austin does too. From hiking and biking to flag football and walking, there’s a local club for everyone. “Sometimes we all need a boost to become more active,” says Montgomery. “If you’re having trouble getting out your front door, Austin’s local activity clubs offer a range of times and places to meet and can help you develop new skills in the activity or sport that you enjoy.”

Tour the town. Looking for a low-key activity that will keep you moving? Then it’s time to explore the town. Even if you’re an Austin native, you haven’t seen it all. Tie on your tennis shoes and take a historic walking tour and learn about the town’s unique history and culture. Grab a map at the Austin Visitor’s Center and visit local museums on foot. “As long as you’re moving you’re burning calories,” explains Montgomery. “Enjoying low-intensity activities, like walking, on some days and higher intensity activities on others is a smart way to keep from getting injured and helps you enjoy—not dread—being active.”

Austin is a mecca for summertime activities that can help you get off the couch and on your way to weight loss. “Losing weight doesn’t have to be a constant battle,” says Montgomery. “Go out, move and enjoy the fact you live in an area that offers easy and inexpensive ways to stay fit.”
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC) is a multi-specialty clinic with physicians representing 24 medical specialties at six locations