Bikini season is nearly here. Depending on what part of the country or world you live in it actually has already arrived. Are you in bikini shape, ready to bare your midriff for all to see? If you’re heading to the beach or pool and want to keep that midsection lean try sticking to the following foods to help.
Focusing on keeping your total caloric intake to around 1,500 calories a day is vital. Too many more and you’ll pack on pounds and too few your body goes into starvation mode and you’ll stop burning calories with a stalled metabolism.
Overall for all meals focus on keeping it as healthy as possible by selecting whole, fresh foods (like fruits and vegetables) and whole grains. Limit or even eliminate processed and refined foods, they’re not just unhealthy they tend to have too much sodium which can add to water retention.
Start the Day Off Right with Smart Breakfast Choices:
Stock up on whole grain waffles and pancake mix. Add fresh fruits like melons, bananas, and berries. Try a homemade smoothie (store bought ones can actually be loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars.) Eat scrambled eggs with some veggies thrown in too. (Choosing eggs that are Omega 3 enriched add this important fat to your diet.)
Lunchtime Treats that Keep You Satisfied:
Remember to eat smaller portions and choose foods that keep you full for longer. This is a great time for combining a fruit and veggie with a lean protein. Organic, whole grain nachos with fresh salsa and chopped avocado make an excellent lunch treat. Choose tuna on fresh, whole grain bread or roll. Use a mayonnaise made with olive oil and just use a little. Be sure to keep your tuna consumption to just around 2 times per week to avoid heavy metal toxins becoming built up in your body. If you choose a sandwich eat a lean meat like turkey and pile on the veggies. Try adding sprouts to your sandwiches as they can add vital nutrients to your diet.
What’s in the Snack Pack?
When you do get hungry select whole foods again. Celery and carrot sticks, berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries,) apples slices with peanut or soy butter, popcorn, nuts, and seeds will pep you up and add a burst of nutrients sure to keep you going for the rest of the day.
Good ole’ Dinnertime:
Bigger doesn’t mean better. This is the kind of thinking that’s keeping America fat and making it fatter. Remember to eat smaller portions at each meal especially this traditionally big meal. If you’ve made smart, filling eating choices throughout the day this shouldn’t be too difficult.Remember to keep focusing on getting as many fruits and veggies in as you can. Opt for grilled veggies too. This time of year makes it easy to do. Choose lean meats like chicken or steaks and add veggies to them. A chicken or steak stir fry, fish with fresh veggies on the side, or a frittata with veggies make an excellent meal for dinners.
Any Room for Desert?
If you’re a desert lover try to eat fruit for this too. Watermelon is sweet and succulent this time of year and not only will help to keep you trim but adds a nutrient boost to your body.
When your goal is to look great in that bikini follow these eating tips, exercise everyday and you’ll be sure to reach your goal. The best part is that when you eat fresh, whole foods everyday you’ll feel better than ever and get to enjoy a healthy, vibrant life.
Remember looking good and feeling great isn’t a destination; it’s a lifetime journey to enjoy!