My boyfriend and I are going on a vacation to Jamaica November 26th and I need to tighten up my body quick! As of right now I'm 5'9" weigh 154 pounds and I work out 5 days a week at a health club doing a variety of classes. I also take long walks with our dog in the evening and I've made a few changes to my diet already such as bringing my lunch and breakfast to work to avoid fast food. I'm not fat but I'm not thin either and that means, NOT READY TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED IN A BIKINI!!
I like food and refuse to starve myself, so here are some of the changes I'm making to speed along:
1. Water, Water, Water
In the AM I usually have two coffees with double cream and sugar to get me going. I'm subbing in flavoured tea and water to avoid the refined sugar and cream.
2. Keep Busy
When I get home from work I find that I'm usually prepared for the next day and relaxing on the couch by 7PM. To burn extra calories I'm trying to stay on my feet as much as possible, whether its cleaning out my closet, scrubbing-up my bathroom or vaccuming everything counts.
3. Sleep
I'm a relatively good sleeper but more is more. Sleep allows your body to repair and mend and take care of itself, I usually shoot for 8 hours but I really only get about 7 at the most. Hence I'm giving myself a curfew of 9:30 to be in bed. Every little bit helps.
4. Snacking
My office is always loaded with goodies. There's always mints at reception and chocolates or leftovers from whatever we were celebrating the day before (we make a lot of excuses to celebrate) so as healthy as I make my lunch I always find myself nibbling on junk throughout the day. I can't throw out the office goodies without being burned at the stake so I've stocked my desk with almonds, pistachios, dried apricots and dates. If you're going to stock up on these items check the ingredients on the package, for example dried apricots , should only have dried apricots as an ingredient. Anything with added sugar or salt and you might as well keep eating the office junk.
5. Check-in
I used to be a fanatic and weigh myself when I woke up and when before I went to bed. I've decided to weigh myself on Monday mornings to reduce my stress level and hopefully do a little less calorie counting. A few years back one of my best friends said to me when I stopped worrying about losing weight, I lost it.
6. Maintenance
Since I won't be spending all my time on the scale wondering 'is this my actual weight? or is this my actual weight plus bulky sweater and yoga pants' I have more time to focus on other things that will help with a good bikini pic in Jamaica. I'm getting my nails done, eyebrow threading, I'm exfoliating and doing facials at home and I'll be getting a spray tan as a 'base' before we leave for the sunny beaches of Montego. I've been told that a spray tan can help define any new muscles that may pop out from all that exercise.
7. The Bikini
I don't have a lot of weight to lose and I know my body type is Athletic in frame so I need to find a flattering swimsuit. I have a smaller chest so a halter for the top and my legs are a little short so I'll be getting bikini bottoms that tie on the side to add the illusion of length.
I would post a pic as my 'Before' but I would just die if my derriere was on the internet right now. So trust me when I say I'm not fat, not thin
Hope these tips work, I'll keep you posted.
