Last Minute Summer Sun Diet

For those of you who read this Blog regularly, you know that I do not really believe in diets for the following reasons:

• They make you miserable
• They are a temporary change of your habits and therefore not a lifestyle change
• They take the enjoyment out of growing, making and preparing lovely meals

But, having said all that…..!
If you have a holiday coming up for which you just want to lose a few pounds and tone up to boost your confidence, feel good in your swimwear and you are prepared to pay the price for that, then try the following tips from the last minute summer sun diet! Remember this is not a lifestyle change but simply a mental and dietary focus so that you feel great on your holiday and so you can really make the most of it. Some enjoy the countdown style discipline in order to get to the holiday time and as a reward totally let go. Whatever works for you the following is a healthy way to restrict your calorie intake and get quick results.

• Go T-total

Let’s face it. You are going to have a drink or two on holiday, so in order to prepare for that time cut out all alcohol of your weekly routine. It may sounds hard at first but if you have the determination to drop a few pre-holiday pounds this is one quick way to do it. Do bear in mind though that binge drinking is detrimental for your health. On the flip side, if you cut out all alcohol prior to your holiday you will be less tolerant to it when you get there, which may not be a bad thing.

• Drink plenty of water and cut sugary/diet drinks

Make sure you are hydrated at all times. Drink water and/or herbal tea throughout the day, making sure you don’t go thirsty. Cut out all sugary drinks and especially diet drinks, which are filled with artificial sugars and make you crave only more sweetness.

• Eat no later than 8pm at night

If possible (and really try because this makes a huge difference) try not to eat after 8pm at night. The earlier you eat your evening meal the better, leaving enough time for your body to process the foods you have eaten.

•  Cut out complex carbohydrates temporarily

Avoid complex carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. Avoid them especially at night time and if possible at lunch time too. Instead eat a wide variety of vegetables, prepared in different ways or raw.

• Replace biscuits, chocolate and crisps by healthy snacks

Avoid any snacks that are extremely high in sugar and salt, but instead opt for seeds/nuts, fruit such as berries, cherries, apples, mango, a piece of cheese or cold meats. You may want to try protein drinks (just make sure you get a good whey protein) for in between meals

•  Exercise

Last but certainly not least: exercise. Walk, cycle, jog or swim when you can (a minimum of twice a week) and if you have the opportunity try and be involved in resistance kind of workouts with weights or in classes. If you are new to exercise start with power walking and swimming at least 2 times a week. If you are an experienced exerciser then up your exercise investment prior to your holiday and set yourself a few targets to beat.

Unfortunately I won’t be joining you this summer, as my focus will be on having the baby out and then slowly rebuild my body! But I get a lot of questions regarding being able to do “something quickly” before a holiday, birthday or wedding. Try the above and if you stick with it, you will defintely get results and then go and have the best holiday straight after!
Good luck.