Spring is in full swing, which means that beach holidays are just around the corner. Get your body ready for bikini season by implementing a good diet and exercise plan over the next couple of months. Here are our top tips to get your body into shape so you can enjoy a healthier and happier summer:
1) Wake up to the right breakfast.
Simply put, eating the right breakfast every morning will kick start your day and help you trim your waistline. Breakfasts that contain too many carbs may lead to overeating throughout the day, so make sure to pair that cup of oatmeal or piece of toast with some protein—either two eggs or a portion of cottage cheese—to help fuel your day.
2) Eat a well-balanced lunch and dinner.
Incorporating more fruits and vegetables onto your plate will certainly provide you will many health benefits and help you slim down, but make sure to eat enough protein as well. Lean meats like fish, chicken, and turkey are great energy boosters. As for the beverages, skip the diet soda and opt for a glass of water instead.
3) Snack on the right foods.
While your natural instinct may be to cut the snacking altogether, the right snacks can actually act as appetite suppressants and boost your energy levels throughout the day. Almonds are great snack foods because they are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and magnesium, while apples and avocados make you feel fuller than you actually are. If you have a sweet tooth, eat a few squares of dark chocolate to satisfy your cravings.
4) Get outdoors.
While you may have grown a little lazy with your exercise regime in the winter months, the sunnier spring weather is a perfect excuse to get back outdoors and on the move! The naturally varied terrains you’ll encounter on a 30-min walk or jog will give you a better workout than the treadmill at the gym. For the best results, change your pace up every few minutes—you’ll burn more calories that way!
5) Incorporate resistance training.
Of course, shaping a better body requires you to do some resistance training as well. Squats are the most effective exercise for toning your buttocks, while doing pushups on an elevated box or bench will help strengthen your arms. Crunches help to tone those abdominal muscles, while the pec fly and pec press help to sculpt and lift your breasts. Want a workout that will burn calories and build muscle? Incorporate swimming into your weekly workout.
Joining a gym and trading in your favourite sugary snack foods for lean meats, fruits, and veggies can come with a high price tag. Sell all your old DVDs online to earn some extra cash to put toward your healthier, more active lifestyle.
