Getting Your Body Swimsuit Ready!

 By Avanti Vadivelu
 
The summer is just one calendar page away. Is your body ready to hit the beach? Of course, if you’re on top of your “staying fit” game and have been working out and eating right throughout the year, you can throw on that bathing suit today without any fear of how you look. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for most of us. 
 
Not to worry. MyHealthGate.com is determined to help you look fit, toned and healthy at the beach or at the pool this summer. Here are some of our healthy suggestions on how to look like you’re at the top of your game, even if you’ve been lagging behind. 
 
Keep From Looking Bloated
According to MSNBC editor Jacqueline Stenson, there are several foods to avoid that can help to decrease the chance of looking or feeling bloated while in your own “yellow-polka-dotted-kini”. Some foods to avoid include carbonated beverages, gum, beans, and broccoli. These foods can contribute to trapping air. You should also avoid eating salty foods since these foods help you to retain water, which in turn can cause you to look bloated.
 
It’s All (or mostly all!) in the Mind
Starting a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help you feel like you’re in shape, whether you’ve reached your end health goal or not. If you feel confident and healthy mentally, chances are you will look at yourself in a whole new light and are not afraid to parade around in your two-piece. Self confidence is key to feeling – and looking – good.
 
The Most Important Meal of the Day
Eating a nourishing, high-fiber breakfast each morning can help shed the pounds by getting you started on the right foot. A full, healthy breakfast will also sustain you until proper lunchtime, which may help you to avoid sweet mid-morning snacks that can ruin any diet.
 
Motivation, Motivation, Motivation
If you’re like most people, lack of motivation may be a huge reason why you are finding yourself in the position of trying to get your body swimsuit ready in a matter of weeks vs. months. If the prospect of fitting into your sleek swimsuit isn’t motivation enough, find out what is. Keep whatever motivates you in your head, on post-it notes around your kitchen, or however else so that you don’t slip up on your getting-fit routine.
 
Put Your Heart into It
Burn those unwanted calories through high energy cardiovascular exercises for at least 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week. Stepping it up into high gear will not only help get rid of those calories, but it may also help increase your metabolism. 
 
Tone it Up!
Practice strength training, or tone building exercises (such as pilates). Such exercises will create a leaner, fit look by getting rid of some of that jiggle. Some experts recommend doing strength training at least 2-3 days a week, focusing on different body parts at a time. For example, focus on arms one day, legs the next and chest/back the day after.
 
What’s Your Problem Area?
Butt? Step it up on cardiovascular exercise machines such as the Stairmaster, or walk or jog a little extra.
Arms?  Try the elliptical machine where you have to work both your arms and your legs.
Abs? Twist, bend, and shake your abs to dance aerobic routines or tone them up by using the Pilates system
Hips and Legs? Cycle the problem out by taking part in high-energy spin classes.
Source: 24 Hour Fitness (www.24hourfitness.com)
 
Stand up Straight!
Focusing on how tall you sit, stand and walk will help you tuck your tummy in, look taller and more narrow, and feel more confident. Of course, it will also help you keep your back bones and muscles in check for a long time. With all these benefits, why would you ever want to slouch? Kick that bad habit to the curb now and strut your stuff!
 
Get Real
Don’t have unrealistic expectations. The key is to have reachable goals. Losing an extraordinary amount of weight or inches may be impossible, or just downright unhealthy. Experts suggest that you can safely lose up to 2 pounds a week. Don’t compare yourself to the swimsuit models you see in those fashion magazines. Doing so will just set yourself for disappointment, or unhealthy health goals. 
 
 
Something as little as a swimsuit should never keep you from enjoying some of life’s sweetest memories. So get up, get out and enjoy some fun in the sun!