Getting in shape to look great in a bikini can be a daunting task if you didn’t really watch what you ate lately and skipped one too many gym sessions. However, it’s not too late to make a difference and get back in shape, as long as you’re organized and stick to the plan.
Find out how to get ready for bikini season the right way. You won’t have to starve yourself with crash diets or go to a gym 5 days a week, but you will have to make better choices about what you eat and find the right type of exercise.
Avoid Bloating Foods and Drinks
One of the best things you can do in order to look great in a swimsuit is to get rid of any bloating. Start paying attention to foods that are high in sodium, and avoid diet sodas and other foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners. Start adding natural diuretics to your diet, from citrus fruit and pineapple to vegetables like leafy greens, asparagus and beets.
Find the Right Workout
If you transition too quickly from a more sedentary lifestyle to a vigorous bikini workout, you’re more likely to exhaust yourself and just give up. Instead, get ready for bikini season by choosing your favorite type of workout, from pilates to strength training, and focusing on the most important areas. Toning your abs and glutes will make the biggest difference.
Eat More Fiber
Another way to fight bloating, particularly if it’s caused by constipation, is going for a high-fiber diet. Switch to whole grains and look for fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. You should also make sure that you’re staying hydrated when you start eating more fiber. Get your fibers from a wide variety of foods for the best results.
Gradually Increase Your Workout Time
While you shouldn’t push yourself too hard at the gym, one of the best ways to get ready for bikini season is to gradually make your workouts longer. Adding as little as 5 extra minutes to your workouts every week can make a big difference by the time you need to look your best on the beach or by the pool.
Cut Back on Saturated Fats and Starchy Carbs
You should make better choices for a while if you want to look great in a bikini this summer. Fried foods need to go, and refined carbs should also be reduced. They’re also loaded with sodium, but starchy carbs will also give you more cravings. Keeping sugar under control is also very important in order to keep your metabolism on track.
Drink More Water
Get ready for bikini season by banishing dehydration completely. Staying hydrated benefits your skin, it can help fight water retention, and it’s also very important for the fat-burning potential of your workouts. Forget about fruit juice, which it high in sugar and low in fiber, and drink plenty of water, along with water-rich whole fruits and vegetables.
Eat More Protein
There are two important reasons why you should up your protein intake. It will be useful for your workouts in toning your muscles, and it can also help curb cravings. Whether you opt for lean meat or plant-based protein, make sure you’re eating more of it. You’ll feel full for longer and you’ll improve your workouts.
Find the Most Flattering Bikini
The right swimsuit can make a huge difference. Try on different tops with different bottoms to find the perfect combination that works for your body type. Forget about trends and ignore the size on the label. As long as it’s comfortable and looks great on you, size doesn’t matter. Get ready for bikini season by shopping for the perfect swimsuit when you’re in a good mood because you’ve made some progress with your diet and workout regimen.
More: 10 Steps to Look Better in a Bikini
Get the Perfect Tan
A fake tan will go a long way into making you look better in your bikini. Go for air brushing or self-tanning products to get the perfect sun-kissed glow that will add muscle definition and hide cellulite and stretch marks.
Cut Back on Drinking
Alcohol doesn’t just contain a lot of calories, it can also be responsible for bloating and even slow down your body’s ability to burn fat. Get ready for bikini season by taking a break from happy hour or at least by avoiding beer and sparkling wines.