The holiday season is quickly approaching and now is the perfect time to get your body ready for those cocktails by the beach that you’re eagerly awaiting for. Here are some ideas to get you started:

 1. Make a plan

Every time you want to monitor a goal and ensure you get the best results, it’s best to start with a plan. Make sure your plan is realistic and it won’t put too much pressure on you and your daily routine. Start small and add tasks along the way. For example, start with exercising for short periods of time at the beginning and increase frequency daily.

2. Drink plenty of water

Research has shown that drinking ice-cold water causes your body to work harder and burn more calories to maintain its ideal core temperature. Moreover, drinking water before meals can help prevent overeating by giving you a sense of fullness.

If you’re planning to work out this coming period, remember that dehydration reduces performance in activities lasting longer than 30 minutes.

3.  Find the right diet

Depending on what your goals are, it’s important to find the right diet for you. If you want to build muscle, a diet rich proteins, fats and carbs might be what you’re looking for and not reducing your calories intake. Although planning is good, don’t forget to make room for foods that you enjoy. This will keep you motivated to keep going. Remember, the best way to find out what the best diet to fit your goals is, is to work it out with a nutritionist.

4. Add more fruits and veggies to your diet

Fruits and veggies detox your body and help you improve your overall health. Lentils, black beans and kidney beans are high in protein and fiber, which are two nutrients that have been shown to lead to satiety. They are of great help in the process of losing weight. Leafy greens are incredibly nutritious and very high in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, including calcium, also shown to help with fat. Tuna is popular among bodybuilders and fitness models as it’s a great way to increase protein intake while keeping total calories and fat low.

5. Give up processed carbs and foods

Breads, pastas or cookies are foods loaded with sodium, sugar and preserves that contribute to bloating and water retention. If the packaging of the foods in your basket contain more than a few ingredients or anything you can’t pronounce, try to avoid eating it.

6. Reduce your alcohol intake

Having a glass of wine after a long day is for some a way of relaxation. If you’re also used to having a glass of wine or pint of beer every night, it’s recommended to try cutting back to two, three nights a week. This will help you reduce your calorie intake.

7. Move your body

Exercise is one of the best ways to lose some pounds. Try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, preferably in the morning as your metabolism will activate for the rest of the day. Walking, jogging, running, swimming, and yoga are all great options. Try to include exercise that use more than one muscle group in your workouts. Give your glutes (butt muscles) and belly extra attention during workouts and this will help you look ravishing in that swimsuit!

8. Get rid of cellulite

Cellulite is a normal occurrence, affecting almost 90 percent of women and it’s mostly visible on their thighs and buttocks. A large part of cellulite is comprised of toxins and fat that build up in the body and can affect women of any size, weight, and body structure. This in combination with the micro tendons attaching your skin to your body produces the dimpling effect.

You may not be able to get rid of it completely, but you can reduce it or make it less visible. Massage your cellulite areas with a coffee scrub twice a week for about 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse and apply coconut oil.

Green tea, olive oil, apple cider vinegar or cayenne pepper are also known to help prevent or fight cellulite.

Quit smoking. Smoking can weaken the skin due to the constriction of capillaries and damage the connective tissue that causes the dimpling effect of cellulite.

If everything else fails, give CelluErase a try, it’s been proven to treat even the most stubborn signs of cellulite.

9. Take care of your skin

Exfoliating your skin twice a week helps with the removal or dead skin and the revealing of a silkier, smoother one. When exfoliating, pay extra attention to your elbows, knees and soles as they tend to get drier. If you know that your skin is highly sensitive, exfoliate only once a week, using a mild scrub.

You should also invest in a quality moisturizer to keep your body hydrated and prevent premature aging. Don’t forget about protection against the sun; choose a moisturizer with a SPF 30 to protect your skin.

 

There you have it, 9 ways you ensure you’re ready to show off your bikini body this holiday season. Which one will you try first?