Hello Darlings, Feeling sunshine on skin, digging toes into sand, and diving into blue ocean waters is for most a dream. Yet with that dream comes a harsh reality check — the self consciousness of wearing bikinis!
With busy lives, most everyone probably knows the dilemma. I am as guilty as anyone falling prey to the excuse, “tomorrow I’ll go to the gym but today I’m too exhausted”. Yet of course the “too busy” excuse has consequences - especially if tomorrow turns into 2 months. Well, that is sadly where I was a week ago.
Facing my own harsh reality, I am committed to return to my healthy ways and to kick-start my bikini prep! So if you’re curious, here is my new spring routine that is both manageable and travel friendly:
1. Cardio for 30 minutes every day
2. Stretches and crunches after the cardio
3. Reduce sugar intake and introduce more fresh fruit to my diet
4. Eat more seafood
5. Drink more water (carbonated water like Perrier is a good option because of it’s taste)
6. Drink less red wine (big sigh)
7. Force myself to walk rather than drive everywhere (bigger sigh)
8. Try a cleanse
9. Eat out less
10. Learn more about nutrition
Always in search of more good ideas about how to improve my lifestyle. So please do share any tips you have to stay healthy and fit?
With Love…
Marta
Another great tip is to avoid processed foods. Author Michael Pollan has some good tips:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20090323/7-rules-for-eating
Hi Noelle,
Thank you so much for the awesome link!
With Love,
Marta
The beginnings are the hardest! Unfortunately I am always stuck there because I give up before I get through to the next phase
If you try a cleanse I recommend doing a juice cleanse! I’ve never dieted and did a 3 day juice cleanse (with juices I made at home) and I felt amazing!
Hi Miya,
I’ve never tried any time of a cleanse. Do you have any suggestions for juice recipes? A book that you would recommend?
With Love,
Marta
This was also my first cleanse and it was much easier than I had imagined it would be, especially because I never diet or do cleanses. I didn’t purchase any books, but I found some great blogs that had some great advice on juice cleansing. My favourite was “Healthy Crush”. This is the link to starting a juice cleanse. There are many other articles she has on the cleanse, recipes, and interesting information. http://healthycrush.com/should-you-do-a-cleanse/
Thanks Miya, will check it out.
With Love,
Marta
I like #7 and #9. Walking everywhere is what made the difference when I lost a lot of weight. I’d suggest also to prepare/cook your food as much as you can - this way you know exactly what you are eating. And eat lots of veggies. I mean, really a lot!
If you can, walk the stairs instead of taking an elevator. Stair climbing is one of the most calries burning activities, not to mention the effect on one’s bum!
I read this post last week just after you posted it and it triggered something about my own personal fitness. For the past week the food I’ve been eating is healthier, my exercise level higher but most of all I feel healthier thanks to you and this post.