Summer is approaching but you still want to get in shape - sound familiar? While all shapes and sizes should be celebrated, we understand that when it comes to strutting your stuff in a bikini, it’s great to feel like your most confident self (and that self will look and feel different for everyone).
What can I do to get fit in time for summer? If you’re looking to get in shape fast, you came to the right place. In this article, we shall briefly discuss 10 proven ways to get a bikini body before summer.
How to lose weight before summer
If you want to get in shape before your summer holiday, we highly recommend you to start working out (even with a personal trainer, if you feel like it would motivate you to reach your goals) and have a healthier diet plan.
How long does it take to get in shape for summer? Time depends on goals, but it takes six to eight weeks to start noticing some changes. So, what are some realistic weight loss tips for this summer?
1. Watch your eating habit
Instead of eating those carb-rich foods like bread, pasta, and cookies, why not try some other healthier alternatives? Opt for fruits and veggies like legumes, nuts, berries, kale, and spinach.
These are fiber-filled and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Generally, stay off chocolates, sweets, and Pizza. This will help you reach your goals in the timeframe you want to.
2. Drink cold water
Drinking cold water is another proven way to reduce body fat and get in shape for summer. It has been proven to do wonders for dieters. It is believed that cold water burns between 17-25 calories per glass.
As cold water moves through your body, the system warms it to normal body temperature which helps to burn off calories. Plus with that hot summer weather, you’ll need it to stay alert and help your body and brain function!
3. Sleep more
Further studies have also shown that getting between 6 – 8 hours of sleep is great for fighting further weight gain. More so, it was found that people who sleep less put on more weight than those with adequate sleep.
The science that explains this is simple; when you don’t get enough sleep, the levels of the hormone “leptin” – an appetite suppressant – reduces, while that of “ghrelin” – an appetite initiator – increases. Due to this, you tend to feel hungrier and eat more.
4. Detox your body
Yes, detoxifying once a while is not a bad idea. What is detox and how does it work? Detox aims to remove toxins from the body by adopting a cleansing diet.
Eating clean is one of the first steps of detox. It doesn’t have to be frequent but it is good to have it at least once a month. Detoxifying helps to eliminate substances that may naturally pile up in the body due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Detox regularly with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and water to see results.
5. Workout at home
As you are already aware, you may not experience much change if you don’t perform some exercises. There are various kinds of workouts you can take up. Are you looking for a ‘how to get a summer body’ workout?
There are many resources available both online and offline for you. Just head to YouTube for heaps of free workout videos or download a free home workout app to get fit at home. There are particular workouts for different body parts. For instance, there is a specific exercise to fix your abs, butt, arms, waist, etc.
6. Add outdoor exercise to your schedule
While we’re on the topic of exercise; you should try adding some outdoor exercise schedules to your routine. There is no match to having an outdoor workout. You should engage in activities like walking, jogging, Box, etc.
Outdoor exercise is an endorphin booster. That’s why it’s a great option to incorporate into your summer training programme. The more you enjoy an exercise, the more likely you’ll be to keep it up.
7. Red wine please, no beer for now
Say brb to beer for now and try some red wine instead (as if you needed our encouragement!). If you must drink, red wine is a healthier alcoholic choice. Red wine is not only good for the heart but also has less impact on the waist, unlike beer.
In a study carried out at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Boston , it was discovered that participants who drank one or two glasses of red wine per day for 13 years gained less weight than non-drinkers.
8. Green teas, please
Generally, drinking herbs and green teas helps you slim down and reach your health and fitness goals. If you are looking for a way to get in shape before summer, it’s wise to avoid coffee in the meantime.
That’s because most people add sugar and milk to their coffee. Even though caffeine acts as an appetite suppressant, it’s better to stick to green teas or black coffee when on a weight loss plan. Just be careful not to overdo it with caffeine as this can lead to poor sleep.
9. Don’t be a diet copycat
As much as possible, do not try to copy other people’s eating habits. We don’t mean that you cannot try the kind of meals that helped your friend get in shape for summer.
However, we are saying that you should be mindful of what you eat when you are out with your friends. Remember your goals and try to choose your food choices according to them.
10. Make your breakfast protein-rich
According to the popular saying, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping this can do a lot of harm not only to your performance levels but also to your day.
If you’re wondering how to get in shape before summer you should be mindful of what you eat for breakfast. Indeed, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition released a research that shows that a protein-rich breakfast is better for weight loss than a carbohydrate-rich one.
Ultimately, you should look around for weight loss food recipes, diets, and meals that can help you in this course. More so, you look for a reputable workout plan for getting in shape for summer and follow it.
See you at the beach this summer, we’ll spot you by your hot summer body (whatever that shape is for you!).