Get In Shape for Your Winter Escape
Just when I think I can’t stand another day of triple sweater layering and wind-chapped cheeks, I get some fabulous, unexpected news... I’ve been invited on a winter escape to Bermuda! My glee is short-lived as I soon visualize my pasty, white body in a bathing suit after a few too many slices of holiday pie. Yikes.
But all’s not lost. There’s no way I’m turning down a trip to paradise over a little excess jiggle. I’ve been pretty good about staying active this winter, so really I just need a tune-up, tone up, and revamp of what I’ve been eating and doing (or not doing) to ensure that I get in bikini form for my winter beach debut. Here’s my strategy in three easy parts:
- Keep Your Eyes on The Prize
The first step to achieving any goal is to be clear on what you’re going after. As Dr. Phil likes to say, “You’ve got to name it to claim it!” I couldn’t agree more. Set yourself a realistic target and commit to a plan of action. It’s unrealistic to expect that I’m going to transform my body into Elle Macpherson’s overnight. My body never looked like hers and it never will. So try not to focus on the numbers on the scale, but rather your overall body confidence. I just want to wear my red bikini with the same comfort level as when I wore it just months ago. That’s my target and I’m sticking to it.
- Move It to Lose It
The plan here is to gain muscle (firmness) and to lose fat (jiggle). The most efficient method for toning is to lift weights and do resistance exercises. For maximum effect, I’m going to focus on the key bikini-body parts: butt, thighs, stomach, and arms. I’ve come up with a routine tough enough to make for quick results, but not so tough that it leaves me way too sore (and looking for an excuse to skip the next workout). For me, a little pain equals a lot to gain. And since I know inactivity puts people at risk for heart disease, I make sure to include at least 30 minutes of cardio each day. Anything from cycling to dancing to walking works, as long as it gets my heart pumping.
- Power Up With Protein
Eating the right foods can really make or break your beach-body goals. Desperation may tempt you to skip meals or to crash diet, but don’t do it! Starvation never works. Moderation is the way to go. One sure way to fight those pesky hunger pangs is to consume regular portions of lean proteins like egg whites, turkey, and fish throughout the day to provide steady energy and help to build strong muscles. You can also turn to milk for your protein fix.
I find drinking three glasses of fat-free milk a day to be a great trick to curb my appetite. Oftentimes, what I think is hunger is really just thirst. And, like I mentioned, fat-free milk is a good source of protein and an excellent source of calcium. In the morning, I have it over high fiber cereal, in the afternoon with a light lunch, and in the evening I like my milk warmed and frothed with a touch of cinnamon and dash of cocoa powder.
A Great Excuse To Get Fit
Whether or not your winter escape involves having to get into a bikini, use the opportunity of a weekend get away to get your health and fitness goals back on track. Hopefully, we’ll all come back a little better rested, relaxed, and ready to face the rest of the winter with a brighter, sunnier disposition.
Judiaann Woo, a professional foodie and former pastry chef, is editor-in-chief PastryScoop.com, a free online resource based at The French Culinary Institute in New York City. She is also a contributing editor for Food Arts magazine.