Hey ladies, we all know summer is right around the corner…and who cares! Don't you want to be looking your hottest all year long? Forget fad diets, extreme cleanses, and unrealistic workout plans. Reboot your fitness mindset with these healthy lifestyle changes to see actual genuine, and progressive changes in your body. You will learn to understand your own body and treat it accordingly for maximum results; hence, your sexiest bod yet.
ALWAYS EAT BREAKFAST
‐First thing in the morning, fuel your body with a meal rich in healthy carbs, fats and a little natural sugar such as oatmeal or an omelet. Supplying your body with adequate nutrition sets the tone for the rest of day. It alters your metabolism, prevents you from unhealthy cravings and binge eating later when you feel starved.
GET OFF YOUR BUTT
‐A super simple, but effective tip: avoid sitting at all costs. Especially being at school, we have more than enough time to bum around for hours sitting through hours of class lectures. Walk everywhere you can, take the stairs and if you have to take a bus, stand up the entire ride.
PROTEIN AND VEGGIES ARE YOUR BFFS
‐Load your meals up with lots of meat, fish, eggs and legumes! If you're a meat and potatoes kinda person who needs that starchy side for each meal, there are ways to kick up the healthy. As delicious pasta, bagels and white rice are, an easy way to begin transforming the look of your body is reducing simple carb intake and replacing them with complex carbs such as brown rice, whole wheat bread and quinoa. These will keep you fuller longer and won't spike your body's sugar intake. When you fill up on lean protein and fibrous veggies, you will be less inclined to turn to indulgent cheesy and carb loaded foods.
PLAN YOUR WORKOUT IN ADVANCE
‐Too often do I hear people complain about lack of results when they show up to gym clueless, without any type of plan of action. They doddle around, float from elliptical to the track; then maybe pick up a few dumbbells and attempt whatever a hammer curl is – bad idea, and a waste of time. Even if it means showing up with a written‐up plan so you don't forget, the more focused your exercises are, the more likely you will be able to accomplish fitness goals and make the best use of your time.
BE MINDFUL OF PORTIONS
‐You know not to gorge massive amounts on fried foods and sugary treats, but its important to remember that just about everything requires moderation (except for excessive veggies; there's probably no shame in that). But just because something is advertised to be “healthy" does not necessarily give you permission to eat it to your heart's desire. It sounds a little crazy but even too much fruit could impact your fitness goals because most fruits are extremely high in sugar. Pay attention to the listed serving sizes on packages, if available, and eat accordingly.
DON'T BE AFRAID OF WEIGHTS
‐Especially for the female population, there still seems to be a stigma attached to girls and weight training. The truth is, if you want to look lean, toned and defined and not just a flimsy skinny shrimp, then picking up a few pounds is a must. Incorporating weights into your workout plan can be fun as it provides more variety of exercises, but it's incredibly beneficial for your body in ways that cardio alone will just not offer. Lifting weights will obviously help you develop your muscles and increase strength, but it burns calories both during and after your workout. As your muscles rebuild themselves after a workout, your body continues to burn calories, serving to be extra advantageous in your fitness endeavors.
