If thoughts of wearing a swimsuit and exposing your body make you want to hide in the dark, the following suggestions will steer you back into the light.
Cranking up your workouts will help you get fast results. And simple changes can make a big difference. Try switching your 11-inch dinner plates for 9-inch salad plates to help you with portion control.
More: Portion Control Made Easy
Here are five ways to help you get a bikini body for summer.
Size Matters
Smaller, more frequent meals will help increase your metabolism. Aim for three meals a day, with small snacks in between. Make sure you get lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats each time.
Try this recipe for a healthy mid-morning snack:
- 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp. of peanut butter
- 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of ice
Blend everything together and enjoy.
More: Lose Weight With This Power Smoothie
Success is in the Details
Planning your meals is just as important as scheduling your workouts. Take an hour every week to make a healthy meal plan and grocery list before you shop. Farmers markets are an excellent place to buy fresh produce for less. You'll save money, get superior quality, and you'll always have the ingredients you need.
Make the Most of Your Time
Exercise when you wake up to burn fat instead of carbohydrates. Empty stomach workouts burn stored fat because carbs have been processed in your sleep. If you exercise in the morning, you'll burn fat at an accelerated rate for hours after. Interval training saves time and burns a lot more fat. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, more calories are burned by short, high intensity exercises.
More: 4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Workouts
Get a Jump Start
According to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a healthy breakfast is important in maintaining an ideal body weight. People who skip breakfast to save calories often overeat later in the day, or snack on foods that are high in fat and sugar. Plus, breakfast gives your metabolism a boost.
Body Boosters
- Replace sugary drinks with water. You'll cut calories, save money, and stay hydrated.
- Sun-kissed skin gives you a slimming look and keeps you glowing, which can help boost your confidence. Pick up a self-bronzer lotion at any beauty supply store or Target.
Maximize your time and plan homemade meals to keep your fitness goals on track and helps you save money, which you can spend on a new swimsuit or summer vacation.
More: Stay Slim and Trim in 10 Minutes
Sign up for a fitness class.