8 Steps to Beach Body

1- WORK OUT

There is no way around it! It is simple maths: if you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. Exercising also reduces your stress levels which is important because often, eating becomes the activity that relieves the stress. So make sure you work out five days a week, this is the most efficient way to get rid off that tummy.

2- LIMIT SUGAR AND SALT

The more refined sugar you consume, the more you will crave to eat sweets. This will make you gain weight and cause excess bloating. Eliminate unnecessary sugar and salt from your diet and you will notice that your stomach is leaner in just a week’s time.

3- EAT FIBRE COMBINED WITH PROTEIN

If you skip meals, your body will switch to alert mode and slow down its metabolism. Keep it high by eating healthy snacks like raw veggies, wholegrains and protein. This combination of fibres and protein will keep you full for a long time and it won't mess up your blood sugar levels.

4- EAT BREAKFAST

When you get up in the morning, you need to jumpstart your metabolic rate. Numerous studies have shown that breakfast eaters weigh less than people who don’t eat until lunch time. Start your day with a 3 eggs omelet , a bowl of fresh fruits with two spoons of yoghurt and a cup of black coffee or green tea.

5- MORE GREENS

The advantage of vegetables is that you can eat huge portions and that they are very low in calories. Veggies like cucumbers and fennel are great snacks that you may dip into hummus or yoghurt with fresh herbs. You can serve greens to your morning omelet and prepare a big bowl of salad for dinner. If you add avocado, fresh fruits, walnuts and a little cheese or lean meat, you have a full meal.

6- NO ALCOHOL

In the end, alcohol is nothing but sugar and therefore very high in calories. If you are serious about showing off at the beach, you have to stay clear from beer, raki, wine and cocktails. Here is a trick: When at a party or in a bar, order sparkling water and ask the waiter to add a slice of lime – everyone will think you are having a Gin Tonic.

7- DRINK WATER

The human body is a machine which runs on water and minerals. Almost every activity and healing process happens with water. Even for breathing we need water: As we take in oxygen and excrete CO2, our lungs must be moistened by water. We lose about 0,5-1 liter of water each day just exhaling. The human body is made of almost 60% water. If we don’t drink enough we will have pain in the joints and look old because of all the wrinkles!

8- SLEEP LONGER

If you are sleep deprived, research has shown that your body will secrete the hormone cortisol, which is a weight gainer. You will also most probably eat bigger quantities and chose more fatty foods than if you had slept enough. To avoid this weight gain, make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. I know that all the parents who have little babies at home are swearing at me right now. Sorry, but I promise it will be over in 2 years.