Remember how you swore you wouldn’t let yourself get caught basking on the beach with the bathing suit bulge ever again? Well, it’s that time of year and if your swimsuit deadline is sneaking up on you, don’t stress!
6 Simple Steps to Feel Better in Your Swimsuit
Clean Your Kitchen (and I don’t mean the floors and countertops!) – Open your cabinets and toss the items that are holding back your success – chips, crackers, sugary cereal, etc. Now look in the fridge – say goodbye to those high calorie sodas, juices, and cheese.
Replace Food Temptations – Replace these foods with Greek yogurt, low fat string cheese, mini bell peppers, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, low-sugar granola bars, low-fat popcorn, and low-sugar oatmeal. These foods will serve you better and since the other ones won’t be there to tempt you, you won’t fall victim to self-sabotage!
Set Weekly Exercise Goals – Give yourself a weekly goal to exercise 5 times. Sneak in extra activity by walking around the block a couple times before you wait at the bus stop for your kids. Always opt to take stairs over the escalator or elevator. If you find yourself on the phone, do this standing, walking around or up/down stairs, or squat/lunge for 1-minute increments. Remember that every little bit helps and it will rev your metabolism.
Be Accountable! – Make your intentions accountable by selecting a friend or relative to join your quest or check on you 1 to 2 times a week.
Plan Ahead – Getting on that plane doesn’t end your commitment! Plan ahead, especially for that plane ride. You can’t bring beverages from home, but you can bring food. Portion out ziplock bags of healthy snacks to get you through your travels. Save ample room for carrot snack packs, cut up apples, pretzel thins, and grapes.
Fit in Your Workouts – Remember all your hard work while you’re on vacation! Pack at least 3 outfits to wear for exercise and wear your workout shoes on the plane. Seek out trails or bike rentals near your destination before you go. Bring along elastic tubing or jump rope to use while you are watching your kids at a pool or park. While your kids take a break in the pool, swim laps or tread water. It all adds up and counts!
Eat wisely, enjoy yourself, but don’t go overboard. Moderation on vacation is the best choice! You don’t want to start back at square one when you get back from your beach vacation!
Visit Dana’s blog for her “Move of the Week,” tips for your entire fit family, inspiration and more or connect with her on Twitter @DPEverybodyfit or on Like her Facebook!
