Here is my top 5 tips that I do to stay in shape and get ready to kick in for summer:
1) Sleeping 6-8 hours:
This is perhaps the most difficult aspect for everyone to achieve. Poor sleeping patterns can cause late night eating which eventually leads to weight gain. It is best to achieve 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, interrupted sleep includes tv and computer stimulation, a bedroom that is not sufficiently dark enough and noise. One of the main reason as to why it is important to have a bedroom completely dark is because our skin repairs itself while we are asleep, any light in the room whilst we are asleep will interrupt the repairing process.
The health benefits of adequate sleep includes weight control, great wellbeing and capable mental functions.
2) Fitness as a priority:
If you have achieved your own bikini body then congratulations! But if you haven't, fitness is a priority in the lead up to summer. Early mornings are the best time to get a workout in as you feel fresh and ready to kick start the day.
Often, we sit for prolonged hours at work and work long hours which is why fitness is very important.
Exercising for at leat 20 minutes daily is better than no exercise.
3) Do not shower after eating:
I was told as a child that I was not allowed to take a shower right after eating. Funny enough, I found out that the main reason was weight gain. Studies show that digestion requires a lot of energy and a good amount of blood flow towards the stomach.
Showering after eating will disrupt and slow down the process. When you take a bath or shower after eating, it causes a slight decrease in body temperature.
It is advisable to wait at least 30minutes to an hour after any meal before bathing.
4) Drink Lemon Water:
This is a simple and effective method to get ready for a summer body. Drinking room temperature glass of lemon water has tonnes of benefits. Not only does it hydrate your body but it will help you shed a few pounds. Lemon is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, the Vitamin C boosts your metabolism and mood. To achieve glowing skin, drink some lemon water now!
5) Eat healthy:
This may be the hardest amongst the 5. Eating healthy will help you achieve your goals but keep you in shape. Remember to avoid any fast food or soft drinks, eating foods that are high in vitamins and nutrients will boost your metabolism therefore allowing you to lose weight faster. Some of the food that I recommend having are:
- Black Beans (beans in general)
- Nuts (Almond, Walnut, Pistachio etc)
- Oats
- Avocados
- Salmon
- Blueberries (Berries in general)
- Broccoli
- Eggs
- Brown Rice
- Grapefruit
- Green Tea
- Fruits (Bananas, Mangoes, Watermelon etc)
- Quinoa
- Chia Seeds
- Pumpkin
- Vegetables
Hope this post was helpful and good luck in achieving your summer body!
xx Nicholle
Nicholle.hon@gmail.com (business enquiries)
Nichollezoe (Twitter)
@Zzoeyla (Instagram)
