Getting that Summer BODY
HEY, GUESS what? It’s summer! It’s time to have fun and, yes, it’s time to wiggle your toes in the dazzling golden sand, wearing that swimsuit you’ve dreamt about forever. It’s time to show off your gorgeous summer body. But, if you’re not there as yet, don’t worry, summer has just begun and Flair is here to help you. Ladies, here’s what you should do.
DIET
Essentially, you should rearrange your diet. Flair spoke with nutritionist Dr Joane Smith, who said women should strive to maintain a balance in the macronutrients and minerals they consume daily. Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are required by the body in large amounts. Balancing these nutrients helps the body to operate effectively and reduces weight gain.
Working for the ideal summer body involves avoiding certain foods. “Do not eat too much white bread and processed food. While flour can be mixed with oats, bran or wheat flour to make it healthier,” Smith told Flair. Instead, Smith recommends a diet rich in fibre, which helps to reduce weight gain, and natural foods such as yams, bananas, and sweet potatoes.
What works for men does not necessarily work for women. “Iron intake for women should be higher,” and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources, Smith said. You can blend them or stem them, do whatever suits you best. Your diet doesn’t have to be rigid, be creative.
WORKING OUT
A mere change in diet is not sufficient. Consider adopting a workout routine that suits your body and time. You may question, is it better to exercise in the mornings or in the evenings? Personal trainer Patrice White told Flair, “There is no best time to work out ... it depends on your schedule and preference. Most people try to start their day with exercise because it builds energy, increases adrenaline and burns more calories throughout the day.” A military drill lasting several hours for a day is not necessary. According to White, exercising for 45 to 75 minutes in a session is sufficient.
Getting help is not a bad idea. You can confide in personal trainer, who understands your goals and will build the right workout plan for you, White said. Consistency is also vital. So, make your routine your way of life without focusing only on exercise. As White explained, “The focus for true and long-lasting weight loss should be around lifestyle adjustment that takes into account what you eat, how you rest, how you train.”
Adopting a workout routine also means dismissing all weight-loss myths, including the famous ‘if I starve myself for a week, I will lose weight.’ Losing weight is not so easy or fast. It takes time and commitment. White said you should always “keep in mind that it could take six to eight weeks of a consistent lifestyle adjustment to see noticeable changes in size/weight”.
HYDRATION
Water helps with weight loss. White informed Flair that “Proper hydration enables the body and the mind to recover faster and more completely from long and hard workout regimens, and helps the body to release impurities and other toxins from food and other consumption which speeds up weight loss.”
MAINTAINING YOUR WEIGHT
The work doesn’t end when you are finally able to fit into the fancy dress you have hidden in your closet. The next task is to maintain your weight. Here are some helpful tips White has offered, to help you.
WORK OUT TWICE DAILY AND RUN 100 MILES WEEKLY
This does not matter if you are not eating well. It’s not just about losing weight; it is also about maintaining a healthy weight. It won’t be easy, but it is worth it.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT SUPPORT SYSTEM
Have you ever tried to lose weight and find that your family or friends are not supportive? Sometimes it is unintentional and sometimes it’s on purpose. It doesn’t mean they’re bad; it means you shouldn’t hang out with them unless you are fully prepared to stand your ground.
GET A WORKOUT PARTNER
The best way to embark on this new lifestyle is to get a workout partner. One who will push you when you start making excuses as to why you cannot workout or run today.
FIND YOUR WHY
Find your motivation. Is it the desire to run around with your kids without getting out of breath or to be sexier for your spouse? Whatever your WHY is, find it and focus on it. You will need it when you’re not up for a trip to a gym or when you’re struggling not to use food as a coping mechanism when you’re stressed.