Simple Trim and Tone Strategies for Your Summer Body

Simple Trim and Tone Strategies for Your Summer Body

Do you feel a little uneasy about swimsuit weather?

If so, try following these simple strategies to trim and tone. They may make the difference between having a self-conscious summer and enjoying fun in the sun.

Trim Your Body

Trimming your body likely involves losing a few pounds. Thankfully, all it requires is a little bit of discipline and patience to acquire these weight-reducing habits.

 Remember, for a more personalized approach, as a nutritionist and naturopath, I can tailor a program that is fit to your specific needs and goals.  So please, do not hesitate to reach out to me for a one-on-one consultation.  Did you know that if you have private insurance, it might even be covered?  Imagine finding a weight-loss and wellness coach that costs close to nothing??!!   

 In the meantime, here are some quick and easy to apply strategies that can help you shed a few pounds between now and when you put on that bathing suit:

1. Decrease incoming calories from your drinks. I call these, EMPTY calories. They don’t fill you up, but still count in your daily calory intake. Reduce or cut out sugared beverages like juices, teas, and sodas. If you are going to have a poolside drink, look for low sugar wines, coolers or low carb beer.   
   
   

• If you like sweet drinks, try sweetening them with Stevia. Stevia is one of the newer non-caloric sweeteners available on the market. Made from the leaf of a plant, Stevia is all-natural and doesn't carry the health risks of many other artificial sweeteners.
  
  
• The healthiest choices for beverages are water or herbal tea.

• Ever heard of Mio, Sweetleaf, Crystal Light or other types of water enhancers? They are flavored drops that you add to water to give them a great fruity taste without the sugar.  Just make sure to read the label because they are not all sugar free.

2. Avoid high-calorie desserts. As summer approaches, avoid fat-laced desserts and replace them with lower fat and reduced calorie treats, such as fat-free Jell-O and puddings. Strive to eat three fruits a day, one after each meal for dessert. Fresh Berries are best.  Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and taste great.
   
   

Tone Your Body

 Toning your body involves increasing muscle strength and definition. When you increase muscle definition, you look stronger and in great shape.

These simple strategies will help you tone up for summer:

1. Do floor exercises while watching television. Use a rubber mat or thick layers of blankets to provide a protective, comfortable cushion. Start out by doing 10 each of these exercises:
   
   

• Perform the calisthenics you used to do in gym class when you were in high school. Maybe you did jumping jacks or bent to touch your toes. Go slowly with these; quick movements can injure and also don't yield the benefits of taking your time with exercise.
  
  
• Do abdominal crunches.
  
  
• While sitting on the floor, stretch your legs out from your body at 45-degree angles. Then, bend forward at the waist and do alternating toe touches-right hand to left toes and left hand to right toes. Like with calisthenics, slow and steady wins the race.
  
  
• Also, while sitting, make circles in the air with your out-stretched foot and toes.
  
  
• Lie on your right side and do side leg raises. Then, do the same on your left side.

2. Ever heard of resistance bands? They are very versatile and can help you tone your entire body.  They are easy to carry with you to work or on vacation.  No idea where to start?  Send me an email at ingrid@thefitandfabulous.com and I will suggest a good quality kit and get you started with some simple exercises that will get you toned in no time! 
   
   
   
3. Another sure way to get toned is to jog. Experts advise getting good quality running shoes to support and protect your feet, ankles and legs. Jogging tones your legs, arms, and abdomen. Plus, you'll feel stronger and experience an increase in your overall physical stamina.
   

• Begin your jogging program by walking.
• Then, increase walking speed in the second week of your program.
• During the third week, pick up your walking speed even more.
• The fifth week, try jogging periodically throughout your walk.
• Alternate walking and jogging until the end of your workout.
• Gradually increase the distance or amount of time you jog.
• Before you know it, you'll be jogging short distances.

 Of course, always do warm-up and cool-down stretches before and after your workouts.

If you try even a few of the suggestions above, you'll come out ahead for summer. Before you know it, you'll feel more comfortable in a swimsuit and ready for the beach!