Spring is the season of new beginnings! It is the perfect time for positive change and the start of the new you. In fact, there are lots of external factors associated with the season of spring which naturally make it one of the best times of year to lose weight, sometimes without even trying!

We’ve all heard the saying, “Timing is everything,” right? That’s never more true than when it comes to weight loss. And with spring underway and summer right around the corner, you’re smack in the middle of the best time of year to lose weight.

Challenges still exist, don’t get us wrong (hello adorable ice cream shop and backyard barbecues). But longer days and sunnier skies prompt changes to your brain and body that can make losing weight—and keeping it off—easier than usual.

If you have been putting your health and weight loss goals off, this is your sign. We are here to tell you that right now is the best time to commit to a healthier, happier version of yourself.

So, let’s uncover the top 7 reasons why Spring is the best time of year to lose weight

#1 – Beautiful weather and increased daylight hours make you want to be more active

Let’s face it, when it’s dark and cold out, all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a glass of wine and watch Netflix. But as the days get longer and the weather warms up, there is something inside us that screams out, “seize the day!” Plus, it’s easier to wake up and enjoy the morning when you aren’t faced with the imminent reality of the chilly outside world.

With warmer, longer days, you can get outside for a walk any time of day and enjoy the lush, spring scenery or even use the extra time gardening and running errands (again, incidental exercise for the win).

#2 As the temperature rises, your appetite decreases, and you burn more calories

It might be a small thing, but certainly not insignificant. According to research, you consume an extra 89 calories per day in the fall compared to spring. And as spring changes to summer, this trend only continues to increase. The reason your appetite decreases in warmer weather is that your body is working hard to keep itself cool. Natural bodily functions like digestion increase body heat. So, your body sends signals to your brain to eat less so it doesn’t have to work so hard.

Also, when you sweat it out in a hot environment, your body needs to work even harder to regulate your temperature. That’s why exercising in warmer weather actually burns more calories!

#3 – Your mood is brighter

For many people, there’s a direct correlation between mood and weather. In the most extreme cases, the dark, dismal days of the winter can trigger a type of temporary depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). People with SAD might crave extra carbs and exercise less, increasing their chance of weight gain.

Even if you don’t have SAD, being in better spirits in warm weather means you probably don’t have as many cravings for the “comfort foods” you tend to crave hard in the winter months.

Does your disposition get sunnier when it’s sunnier outside? Despite the temperature, spending time outdoors when the sun is shining can increase serotonin production, improve memory, and even spark the creative process. When you’re feeling positive, you might be more likely to talk yourself into a gym session—or talk yourself out of gorging on toppings during a fro-yo run.

#4 – There is a direct correlation between vitamin D levels and weight loss

You know that feeling when you get out of work and it’s still light out? It doesn’t just warm your heart; sunshine helps your body generate vitamin D. If you’re low on this nutrient from spending too much time indoors, replenishing your D levels can promote more weight loss than diet and exercise alone, according to an influential Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study.

Also, research shows there is a strong connection between a lack of vitamin D, insulin resistance, and obesity. In other words, people who are overweight are more likely to have low levels of vitamin D.

Symptoms of low vitamin D levels include low moods, achy bones, and brain fog (to name a few) – none of which are conducive to weight loss and diet-stick-ability.

While you may or may not need a supplement for a variety of reasons, it’s much easier to get more D this time of year. So, an increase in sun exposure is sure to help brighten up your mood.

#5 – Your home is healthier in Spring

Swinging wide the windows and a little elbow grease can do wonders for your weight. A spring clean makes you feel more in control of your life and burns 133 calories per half hour, on average!

A change of seasons is also the perfect time to rethink old eating habits, make healthy food swaps in your home, and get a fresh start—in spring or any time of year.

#6 – Green veggies are abundant in the spring — and green stuff burns fat

The greener the leaf of a fruit or vegetable, the more powerful it will be in helping to lower your insulin levels, which helps you burn fat. And it just so happens spring is primetime for seasonal veggies like arugula, artichokes, spinach, watercress, and green-leafed berries.

The yummiest foods in spring are also excellent fuel for your body. Load your plate with juicy berries, leafy greens, and water-based fruits and vegetables.

Besides more seasonal produce options, spring and summer gatherings are more apt to feature cold salads, shrimp and chicken skewers, and lots of stone fruit, berries, and watermelon. Of course, it’s still possible to overdo it on the cheeseburgers and ice cream. But with so many lighter choices available, it becomes much easier to pick healthy foods.

#7 – Summer is coming!

Summer is just around the corner, which means saying goodbye to bulky sweaters and leggings you wore this past fall, and saying hello to sun dresses, tank tops, and shorts!

If winter hasn’t been kind to your waistline, you may be tempted to crash diet or spend hours at the gym. But you must resist! These types of things can wreak havoc on your body (and mental health) causing cortisol to spike, making weight loss even harder!

Why not take a different, more natural approach? Plus, by starting your weight loss journey during the spring months, you give yourself a realistic timeframe to lose those extra pounds in time for swimsuit season. So, rather than being fearful of mini-skirts and singlets, embrace the motivation to become the healthiest, happiest version of yourself and “flaunt what your mama gave ya!”

Could imbalanced hormones be keeping you from your weight loss goals?

Many women are left feeling discouraged when traditional diet and exercise plans aren’t producing desired, or lasting results. What people may not realize is the root of the problem is often a hormone imbalance issue.

At BeBalanced, we focus on optimizing the benefits of natural hormone balance for the whole person, resulting in not only lasting weight loss, but also better sleep, improved moods, more energy, and relief from symptoms of PMS and menopause.

We believe our clients aren’t just a number on the scale—each one is a complex person, and we want to approach their needs holistically. We are passionate about restoring women to holistic wellness, and we are confident that natural adjustments to diet, sleep, and lifestyle can be life-changing for clients who have tried everything else. We help our clients bring their hormones back into balance through a whole-food diet, stress management, natural supplementation, and one-on-one guided support.

For more information about our programs, schedule your free, in-depth consultation today. We offer both in-person and virtual appointments at any of our centers around the country.

You can also take our free Wellness Quiz to see if your hormones could be holding you back from your weight and wellness goals.

Be well!