Wedding Bells are ringing! Are you getting married this year, and would like to lose a few pounds before hand?! To look good in all those pictures, I do as well! Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy and tone up for that big day!
Have a GOAL
Make sure you make a goal and a date for this goal to be achieved... take pictures, write everything down, keep track of what you are doing... stay on top of it and it will make your success that much better!
Drink Water
Skip the diet soda and start drinking water. Besides being good for you, water helps your body get rid of toxins, and constant sipping can help keep you from over-snacking. So grab a bottle you can bring around with you and figure out how many refills you'll need to get your daily fill. The amount of water your body requires is based on your weight. How much do you need? Divide your weight in half. The resulting number equals the ounces of water you should be drinking every day. Example: weight- 129lbs so I would need to drink 64.5 ounces of water, just over a 1/2 a gallon of water a day. Drink as much as you can!!!
Tip: Get a filtered water pitcher for better-tasting water, and add a few lemons or limes to your water bottle to give it some flavor. If you don't like the taste of water, add crystal light only 5 calories.
Slim Down Servings
Big servings are one of the main calorie problems of weight gain. Start with small portions and take more only if you're still hungry. Experts even suggest that it's better to eat four or five small meals with moderate portions throughout the day than to have two or three large meals. Eat more often to keep your metabolism going all day to burn the extra fat.
Meal 1 -Protein shake with 1/4 cup oatmeal
Meal 2 -1 can of tuna with an apple
Meal 3 -6oz. chicken breast (no skin) with 1 cup of green beans
Meal 4 - ground turkey with some salad... salsa for dressing
Meal 5 -protein shake
Meal 6 - 8oz. chicken breast (no skin) with sweet potato
Tip: Carry healthy snacks with you when you're on the go like almonds or jerky. Healthy munching will not only keep your energy level up, it'll also keep you from binging on a big meal when you finally do sit down to eat. When cutting back on calories, it's important to take a daily multivitamin. Lack of vitamins and iron may leave you tired and inclined to reach for a candy bar or fatty snack.
Cut Back on Booze
A celebratory drink can cost you 150 calories or more. And that's if you only have one! Even if you're in the habit of having just a few drinks a week, cutting back on alcohol can save you hundreds of calories in the end. Save the cocktails for the special occasions coming up and sip water instead.
Tip: Can't give them up entirely? Try alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages so you won't feel left out of the festivities.
Exercise!
Yes, this is an obvious one. But seriously -- do something-anything! to get moving. Twenty minutes of exercise a day will do wonders to boost your energy and kick-start the calorie burning process. Walk to the grocery store, take the stairs at work, do sit ups while watching TV, or at least do a few laps of window shopping in your local mall. If you're serious about shedding inches, aim to do 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise (running, cycling, swimming) three or four days a week. You can always come train with me! Just let me know!
Tip: Choose a time of the day when you usually feel motivated and energetic -- that way, you'll be more likely to stick with it. If you're a morning person, hit the gym before work. But if you're the "don't talk to me till I've finished my coffee" type, an evening or even a quick lunch workout may be better for you.
