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Five Simple Ways to Torch those Summer Calories

with Anissa Lickrish, Co-Creator of BTB and Dance Teacher at Bodytree

Welcome back to Bodytree after a well deserved break. If your summer was anything like mine there was a giant record scratch on diet goals. Hopefully all that cheese, bread, ice-cream and, possibly, wine were amazing. But it is time for us to get back to reality!

Now that it’s September, the timing is perfect for a healthy lifestyle reset.

Here are my top 5 tips to get us all back on track!

1) Start your morning with a big glass of water and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) or Fresh Lemon Juice 

I personally prefer ACV as it’s a more effective detoxifier. But both lemon and ACV get your digestion chugging. Try to drink the purest room temperature water available.

My favorite Apple Cider Vinegar is Braggs (available at Lulu). But whichever brand you choose make sure it contains “The Mother” and that it is unrefined. This ensures you get the full benefits of the natural enzymes and healthy bacterias.

If you find it too unpalatable to down something sour first thing in the morning, then you should definitely consider a probiotic supplement.

I usually order my supplements from Amazon.com but you can source quite a few supplements at Lifestyle Nutrition in Madinat Zayed Mall. Another great resource is the supplement shop in The Organic Cafe in Nation Towers.

2) Walk more! 

Walking has amazing health benefits though it can be challenging to get those steps in with the heat of the UAE. Some suggestions: Choose the stairs over the elevator; park a little further from the entrance; if you can wake up a little earlier, try to squeeze in an early morning walk (after dinner walks work, too!)

I usually walk in our compound while listening to a podcast. Even if you can’t find a beautiful route to walk, you can still transport yourself with a compelling news report, human interest story or your favorite music.

Right now my favorites are New York Times’ The Daily and Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell in the morning. In the evening I prefer Homecoming,  Modern Love  and This American Life for a little more story telling.

3) Track your food intake

This can be a little time consuming but it really is the best way to become aware of the nutritional content of what you are consuming.

I like the apps Lifesum and MyFitnessPal. If you have a history of disordered eating I would skip this one as counting calories could be a trigger.

4) Add a new healthy fat

With all the talk of healthy fats and the benefits, now is the time to experiment! Try swapping coconut oil or ghee for vegetable oils. Cooking eggs in ghee is sublime.

You could also try a bulletproof coffee available at our in-house cafe, Nectar. It’s so delicious and addictive! If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of adding healthy fats to your diet, check out Dr. Hyman on social media and on his podcast House Call. Another expert that I try to keep up with is Rhonda Patrik. Her podcast FoundMyFitness is fast paced and requires a lot of attention. But it is extremely informative and has a lot of evidence based science.

5) Try a new class

Why not?!! If you are a cardio queen like me maybe some gentle yoga or meditation. Spin Tribe torches calories and mixes pilates for a nicely balanced workout. If you love to dance try Zumba or my BTB dance cardio class and get your groove on. Whatever you are used to, it is always beneficial to expose your mind and body to new challenges.

I look forward to seeing everyone at Body Tree and Nectar. Let’s challenge ourselves to making this our healthiest year yet!

Anissa Lickrish, ex professional ballerina, co-creator of BTB and Stott trained Pilates Instructor, is back teaching at Bodytree Studio from September 10th. Catch her in the mornings for BTB Advanced, Xtend Barre Advanced and BTB Dance Cardio. 

Photo by Lacey Sexson Photography