July is approaching which means sooner or later we are going to have to put on a bathing suit this summer. It is almost impossible these days to be a woman who is not a little bit self-conscious about their physical appearance. We scroll through Instagram and see the ridiculously skinny Victorias Secret models and begin comparing ourselves to them. Instead of feeling confident with our looks, we want to grab a baggy t-shirt to throw on at the pool. The pressure of having the ideal body image is not only discouraging, but it can also become dangerous. This is why we need to stop with the comparisons and start making a few healthy lifestyle changes that will assist us in being happy in the skin we are in.
1. Make h2o your best friend
Water is literally one of the best things you can put in your body. Obviously we need it to survive, but the number of benefits drinking water provides us with is everything we could possibly want in life. Drinking water is linked to weight loss, clear skin, makes us more alert, better moods and much more. Make water your go-to drink. Ditch the pop, ditch the sugary coffee drinks, and stick to water. It may sound like a lot, but if you drink 8 glasses of water a day, you can expect to see many of these health benefits. For those that do not enjoy the taste of plain water, infuse your water with fresh fruits such as lemons, berries, watermelon, or even cucumber or mint leaves.
2. DO NOT skip meals
Some believe the myth that skipping meals will help you lose weight faster. If you have ever tried to skip a meal or have been too busy to eat your dinner on time, you most likely have felt hangry (hungry/angry), disorientated and more. Starving yourself is dangerous and unhealthy. We need food to fuel us throughout the day. Eat three balanced meals a day, and you’ll be a happy camper.
3. Snack throughout the day
Whoever said snacking is a habit to be kicked, was seriously wrong. Dietitians have found that those who snack healthily throughout the day are more likely to curb bad cravings and prevent weight gain. Almonds, fruits, veggies, hummus, granola with Greek yogurt and many other simple food staples are great snacks to keep around throughout the day.
4. Make time for exercise
Making time for exercise in our busy life schedules can almost seem impossible on some days. After a long day of school, work, or maybe even both, working out is probably the last thing we want to do. Unfortunately, lack of exercise is something that will impact your health in a negative way. Quit with the excuses and set aside at least 15-30 minutes a day for some type of exercise. Working out gives you energy, releases stress, and improves all-over general health.
5. Switch up your workouts
Going to the gym and running on the treadmill for an hour every day is something that is going to get real old, real fast. Plan out your weekly workout schedule that not only includes cardio, but strength training as well such as lifting weights. Check out local workout classes offered around your town for those of us that need group motivation. YouTube is a great source for searching free workout videos for those of us that like to burn cals in the comfort of our own home.
6. Find a bathing suit that compliments your body type
Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Luckily for us, so do bathing suits. Don’t get discouraged when you don’t look like the model pictured in the same suit you ordered online. Odds are, you still look fabulous, but if you do not feel comfortable in a certain suit, try going to the store and trying on multiple styles to see what kind suits you best (pun intended).
7. It’s okay to splurge every once in awhile
In order to be healthy and happy, you have to take into consideration what makes you happy. Whether it’s ice cream, pizza, Taco Bell or any other unhealthy food item, it’s not going to kill you to eat it here and there.
Drink more water, eat three balanced meals a day, carry around healthy snacks with you, exercise, and don't be afraid to indulge every once in awhile. Being happy with yourself is super important, so use these seven foolproof tips to create a healthier and happier you.
