You’ve booked your summer holiday now you want to get yourself bikini body ready. Forget the word ‘diet’ as that will only make you run to the sweetie cupboard. Instead think about healthy eating and getting into shape, this is a lifestyle change and when you change your mind set to this you are giving yourself a greater chance of succeeding.
The hardest part of getting that bikini body is to actually get off your backside and do something about it. Set yourself a realistic goal, be honest and ask yourself ‘what do I need to do to look good in a bikini or speedos?’ Do you need to tone up or lose weight? Remember you don’t need to be stick thin to look good in a bikini.
Everywhere we look we see models and celebrities on the front cover of magazines and in the newspapers in their bikinis, but how many of these photos are airbrushed? I can honestly say I don’t want to have a body like any celebrity; I keep fit and eat healthy for me as I believe you need to look and feel good in your own skin.
Being fit is not just about how much you weigh, don’t just go by what the scales say. I would recommend that you also measure yourself as believe it or not you can actually lose inches from your body without dropping a single pound. The areas I’d suggest measuring are your upper arms, chest, waist, hips, and thighs. Keeping a food diary is a great way to lose weight doesn’t forget to include all drinks, alcoholic beverages, sauces and dressings. You will be surprised how many extra calories you sneak into your diet. An easy way to do this is to download an app to your phone there are so many free ones available. Did you know that people who keep a food diary lose more weight than those who don’t?
Make a few simple changes to what you eat and drink
- Eat food rich in protein such as turkey, fish and chicken as these can help to fill you up, build muscle and help maintain the body’s immunity. If you’re a vegetarian try eggs, tofu and fish.
- Switch to whole grain versions of carbs like bread, pasta and rice as they provide a good source of fibre and provide many vitamins and nutrients needed for the health and maintenance of our bodies.
- Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables as these are rich in vitamins and can help to fill you up and also improve the appearance of your skin.
- Eliminate sweets and junk food, try and choose healthy options such as vegetable sticks and hummus. If you have a sweet tooth like me opt for dark chocolate as it is filled with antioxidants which can help to lower your blood sugar levels.
- Limit your alcohol as it contains more calories than you think. We all need to let our hair down from time to time so why not choose a dry red or white wine as these have fewer calories than the sweeter versions or choose a spirit with a soda water mixer. Always remember to drink in moderation.
- Drink plenty of water as this can help to make your skin clearer and also keep you full between meals.
- Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it will help to jump start your metabolism and it provides you with the energy you need throughout the day. If you skip breakfast you’re more likely to overeat at other meals or reach for unhealthy snacks to keep your energy levels up.
More to follow next week including some simple lifestyle changes that will kick start your summer shape up.
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