Alli's Summer Survival Guide

Picture Credit: Google Images

The best way to conquer summer body issues is to really take the time to prepare for summer.  It only takes 3 to 5 weeks to transform your body.  But please don’t think this will be an easy task.  It is going to be hard work while you forage on this difficult journey. With drive and determination you can cross that finish line knowing you look your best in that sexy summer swimsuit. 

The first step on your total body transformation is to take the time to assess your eating habits. If you are someone who often goes for seconds or orders the biggest meal on the menu then you may want to start with portion control.  For some, this may be a very difficult task but know there are tons of tips and tricks to help you along the way.  First, how do you decide what the perfect portion controlled sizes are for you? You can simply use my food guide that compares typical foods like meat, pasta, cheese and fish to everyday objects. It really is that easy to eat healthy.  Let’s start with the summer BBQ staple, meat.  One serving of cooked meat is about 3 ounces which is the equivalent to a bar of soap. One hamburger patty should be about the size of a hockey puck. Next up is pasta.  One ½ cup serving of cooked pasta should be about the size of your fist.  Next time you cook breakfast keep the following rules in mind.  A slice of toast, a waffle, or a pancake can be sized with a CD in its case.  A standard CD case is the right size for a piece of toast and the CD itself is the right size for a pancake or a waffle. Feel like fish for dinner? Pull out your checkbook because one 3 ounce serving of fish is approximately the size of your checkbook. Next time your cooking and you can’t find a teaspoon, use the tip of your thumb.  The tip of your thumb is a good substitute for a teaspoon.  If you want to make a cheese plate for game night, be sure to use your dice.  The size and shape of four dice are the perfect equivalent of a single serving of cheese. Next time you grab an apple, plum, or peach for a quick snack, keep in mind the size of a tennis ball.  Next time you serve veggies remember that a single serving, usually about 1 cup of veggies is proportionate to the size of a baseball. Making a PB & J? One ping pong ball is equivalent to about 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. If you have a hard time equating your food with everyday objects there is another option to help you in your fight over portion control.  Many companies are now creating portion control plates so you will never overeat again.  Try the portion control plates at precise portions.

Transforming your body isn’t just about portion control; you need to follow a healthy diet as well.  Follow these diet tips and you will begin to see a change in no time at all. Always remember that the best weight loss strategies are the ones that stand the test of time. Do not fall victim to all the diet fads that come and go as fast as a fleeting fashion trend. These easy strategies are guaranteed to stay in fashion.

Never skip breakfast.  Eating this important meal will help you keep your diet in check and give you the energy you need to tackle your day.

Eat slowly and take small bites.  Next time you are eating desert keep the three bite rule in mind, only have 3 small bites and then put the fork down.

Avoid eating anything late at night.  As a rule of thumb you should stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.

Always keep your cravings in check.  If a craving comes from hunger then eating will help but if a craving doesn’t come from hunger, eating will not satisfy it.

Bring your lunch.  A 2012 Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics study found that dieters who eat out for lunch even once a week lose 5 fewer pounds on average.

Eat in the right order.  Eat your greens first.  Because you will naturally eat more of the first item on your plate, be sure to start with veggies.  This will cause you to eat fewer calories since you will fill up on greens first.

Snack often, every 3 to 4 hours so you’ll be satisfied and less likely to say yes to temptations.

Schedule a cheat day.  Reset cravings by allowing yourself to eat them once a week or once a month.

Never shop hungry because you will make poor choices

Cut out soda because it can actually make muscle less likely to burn fat.

Dieting isn’t the only way to look good on the beach.  Follow the tips below next time you are wearing your summer outfit because they will help you to look slimmer and move the focus away from any possible figure flaws.

Sit strategically:

To hide your thighs sit in a lounge chair with your knees bent.

To give your boobs a boost, lay on your side so your boobs slide together creating a perkier look.

Show some skin.  Do not cover up your butt because the material can end up looking like a diaper when it’s loose. To avoid the diaper look, be sure to pull the bottoms in a little bit.

Flex, don’t suck. Flexing creates a flat stomach while aligning your posture.

Another way to assure you look your best this summer is to give your skin a good shave or wax.  All that hair you have neglected grooming over the winter needs to go.  Be sure that your legs, armpits, and bikini area are smooth and hairless. Prep your skin for a gorgeous glow at the beach.  Over the winter months your skin can become pasty and dull so the first thing you’ll need to do is zap away any acne or blemishes with a salicylic acid cream.  Be sure to apply the cream to your back as well as other hard to reach areas. Next, apply a self-tanner.  I like jergins daily glow with SPF.  Be sure to shave and exfoliate your skin before applying any tanning lotions.  Doing this will assure that your skin looks healthier and your tan won’t streak or look spotty. Always moisturize with a retinol to combat fine lines and protect against the harmful aging effects of UV rays. Drink plenty of water and be sure to take a multivitamin. Hydration and nourishment will leave your skin with a healthy appearance.

Treat yourself to a mani-pedi. You will need flawless feet and hands to match your new body. Choose a coral or bright blue shade to add a pop of color to your look. Stick with natural makeup. Never wear thick foundation at the beach, opt for a tinted moisturizer. Plump up your eye lashes with some mascara, wear a lip balm, and be sure to wear an SPF of 30 or higher.

Pamper your hair during the summer by getting a haircut before you spend the day at the beach. Insert in a cute hair band or hair clip to keep the hair off your face and neck at the beach. Be sure to wash all the salt out of your hair after a day at the beach.  Use a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner to keep your hair lustrous.

Invest in the perfect bathing suit.  You can choose a style that cinches your tummy, tames your large bust, or tones down your thighs.  Pick a hue that goes well with your complexion and hair color. If you have tan or dark skin, choose a bright colored suit. A black bikini can be worn by all if you are trying to hide any flaws.  A strong pattern will help to disguise flaws as well because it will distract the eye away from any possible flaws. Cover your tummy with a tankini and cover your thighs with a sash like skirt that ties at the waist.  Body shimmer makes your legs appear thinner.  I like Michael Kors leg shine to go.  Confidence is the key to looking great. So keep your head held high and rock that body to really show off what you’ve got and what you worked so hard to achieve. The most important thing to remember while you are out in the sun this summer is to relax and have fun, because that’s what summer is all about.