July 15 is the official beginning of the “midsummer doldrums” this year, which still lasts for 40 days. With the arrival of the hot summer days, many bloggers online are sharing that the golden period for weight loss has arrived. It is essential to seize these “easiest 40 days for losing weight in a year.” Is this statement scientifically proven? Are there any specific precautions to consider?
Midsummer doldrums indeed provide a promising period for weight loss and health preservation. CCTV reported that for every 1°C increase in temperature, the basal metabolic rate speeds up by 12%-13%. This means that during the midsummer doldrums, your body will effectively burn calories, aiding in weight loss. The human body is more likely to enter the fat-burning state in a hot environment. Comparatively, fat-burning efficiency during exercise increases by 2-3 times. The hot weather affects appetite, leading to a reduced intake at meals. This inadvertently makes diet control and moderation relatively easier, thus favoring the implementation of weight loss plans.
However, the midsummer doldrums do not imply that doing nothing will lead to weight loss. Yī Néngjìng recently shared two videos on social platforms reminding everyone to focus on health preservation during this “golden period” of 40 days and not just rely on lounging around to lose weight. She generously shared her three principles: “Adjustment,” “Abstinence,” and “Change.”
Yī Néngjìng also cautioned that some individuals may experience symptoms of Qi deficiency and fatigue. It is highly recommended to limit the intake of cold and excessively sweet beverages as they can harm the digestive system and slow down metabolism.
As the weather gets hotter, it is advised not to indulge in excessive cooling measures, and the air conditioning temperature should not be set too low. Effective weight reduction during the midsummer doldrums can be achieved by properly scheduling meals, ensuring adequate nutrient intake, incorporating moderate exercise, and adapting to the climatic conditions.
1. Outdoor environments should be replenished with water promptly, with room temperature mineral water being the best choice. Tea and coffee should be consumed in moderation, and cold drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Do not wait until you feel parched to hydrate, as it indicates severe dehydration of the body’s surface.
2. Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. During hot weather, the body depletes vitamins and minerals at a faster rate, necessitating the timely replenishment of proteins and vitamins in daily meals. The midsummer doldrums are ideal for consuming fish meat as it is refreshing and rich in protein. Opt for cooking methods like steaming. Additionally, consider including vitamin-rich foods such as wheat flour, millet, and foods high in Vitamin A like pork liver, carrots, and pumpkins.
3. Limit the consumption of cold drinks. Many people tend to indulge in cold beverages or ice cream during the midsummer doldrums, especially when moving from the scorching outdoors to air-conditioned spaces. While these drinks may quench thirst momentarily, they pose greater harm to the stomach and intestines. It is advisable to consume beverages at room temperature first and then gradually transition to consuming cold foods in moderate amounts.
4. Timing of physical activity during the midsummer doldrums is crucial. Opt for cooler times, such as early morning from 6 to 7 a.m. or around 7 p.m. in the evening. However, these timings should be adjusted based on the local temperatures. Engage in outdoor activities like brisk walking or strolling during relatively cooler periods. Consistent daily physical activities lasting 30 to 45 minutes produce excellent fat reduction results. Swimming is highly recommended during the midsummer doldrums as it burns significantly more energy compared to running, offering both cooling relief and enhanced weight loss effects.
5. Adequate sleep is essential. Hot weather tends to cause shallow sleep, early awakening, and insomnia, resulting in daytime fatigue. Sleep deprivation and staying up late can disrupt hormonal balance and slow down metabolic processes. Taking a nap during the midsummer doldrums is an excellent choice.
Remember, achieving a healthy weight involves reducing fat content rather than losing body water. The hot weather provides support, but a well-rounded approach involving proper diet, exercise, sufficient sleep, and hydration is necessary for effective and healthy weight loss.
Is exposing the back to the sun for “thermal health” during the midsummer doldrums reliable?
Recently, sunbathing the back as a health measure gained popularity online, with hashtags like #WomanClaimsToHaveLost4KgIn10DaysBySunbathingBack trending. How legitimate is this “sunbathing for health”?
Doctors affirm that sunbathing the back indeed has health benefits. According to traditional Chinese medicine’s holistic theory of “harmony between heaven and man,” the midsummer doldrums represent a time of vigorous yang qi in nature, facilitating abundant growth. The human body has various yang meridians on the back, and exposing them to sunlight during this period not only replenishes the body’s yang qi but also eliminates long-standing ailments.
For individuals with metabolic syndrome, depression, and other chronic conditions, sunbathing the back can help to boost qi, warmth, dispel coldness and promote blood circulation. For suboptimal gastrointestinal function and those prone to colds, sunbathing can enhance the body’s self-regulating capabilities. People with deficient yang and excessive dampness can stimulate their qi, blood, meridian activities through sun exposure, thus improving their constitution.
Nevertheless, it is unscientific to consider weight loss by exclusively sunbathing the back. “Weight reduction through sun exposure primarily entails water loss, and once rehydration takes place, rebounding occurs quickly.” Doctors emphasize that instances of losing 4 kg in 10 days through sunbathing shared on social media are unique and may be influenced by various factors such as dehydration, temporary metabolic changes, or adjustments in other lifestyle habits, and do not directly indicate fat loss.
For effective weight loss, discipline in managing diet, engaging in physical activity, setting realistic plans, and self-control are essential. Relying solely on sun exposure for weight loss is neither scientific nor reasonable.
