Sweating is not equal to burning fat, of course. Sweating is just the evaporation of body fluids. During the dog days of summer, if you don’t use air conditioning, the body naturally sweats to achieve the effect of cooling down. Then the body replenishes the lost fluids by continuously drinking water to maintain balance. Therefore, the belief that sweating results in weight loss is wishful thinking.
Since sweating doesn’t lead to weight loss, why is losing weight during the “dog days of summer” more effective? There are three favorable conditions for weight loss during this period that individuals must make good use of. Missing out this year means waiting until next year’s dog days.
One of the reasons for obesity is excessive body dampness, which leads to a decrease in metabolic function. This, in turn, results in the body being unable to metabolize excess fat intake properly, leading to obesity. However, during the “dog days of summer,” which is the hottest time of the year with the strongest yang energy, sweating cannot directly metabolize fat, but it can expel the internal dampness from our bodies. This helps elevate the yang energy within us, stimulate our metabolic function, and reduce the accumulation of fat.
Typically, at a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, the body starts sweating even without physical activity. The body’s metabolism accelerates, requiring a significant amount of energy consumption. The main source of energy is carbohydrates. When the intake of carbohydrates is insufficient to meet the body’s high-energy demands, the body starts burning stored fat. During the “dog days of summer,” the daily average temperature reaches around 35 degrees Celsius, with peak temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, which requires us to ensure two things to facilitate weight loss: controlling diet and being outside air-conditioned rooms. Of course, incorporating some exercise would be even more beneficial.
With these three favorable conditions, adding moderate exercise can easily help to burn the body’s fat reserves. Therefore, utilizing the “dog days of summer” for weight loss can significantly increase the effectiveness, considering that today is already the 8th day of the dog days, those wishing to lose weight must act promptly. Missing this opportunity mean waiting another year.
In hot weather, many people enjoy consuming cold drinks to cool off. In the scorching summer heat, sweating profusely, having a glass of icy water or indulging in an ice cream or popsicle can be quite enjoyable. However, ice cream and popsicles contain high sugar content. Consuming them in excess not only leads to weight gain but also increases the likelihood of dampness accumulation and decreases spleen and stomach function. Therefore, those aiming for weight loss should limit their intake of cold drinks.
The saying goes, “Exercise in the winter for nine days, exercise in the summer for the dog days.” The dog days of summer are when the yang energy is at its peak. Consistent exercise during this time can not only strengthen one’s willpower but also expel internal dampness, restoring the body’s yang energy. Opt for activities like swimming, aerobics, yoga, running, walking, playing tennis, cycling, which are all beneficial for health. During exercise, remember to avoid heatstroke and protect your skin from sunburn.
Avoid late-night snacks and staying up late, which are common habits in summer. Minimize takeout meals. If you have a poor appetite, consider making a light porridge. Opt for a diet of light and low-fat foods, and reduce consumption of oily and sugary items.
In conclusion, the dog days of summer are a rare time for weight loss. Today marks the 8th day of the dog days, with early dog days approaching. Grab the opportunity if you want to lose weight! If you have any opinions regarding weight loss during this period, feel free to leave a comment in the section below!
