Summer is coming up in just a couple of months and it is time that you are proud to put on that cute swimsuit and strut your stuff. It may be hard, but it will be well worth it in the end! I have a few simple steps that have kept me fit as well as motivated me to workout.

#1: DON’T DIET

We’ve all tried it; most of us have failed. Dieting is definitely not for the weak-which I am. Eat healthy, but if you crave something unhealthy, eat it. The trick is to not overindulge. If I really want pizza, I know that craving isn’t going away until I eat some dang pizza. The craving could last over a week and I don’t have that much willpower. I have to eat it right then, that way a week from now I don’t eat the whole pizza. If you want to eat a doughnut, eat one, not three, and if you want a soda, drink one. That doesn’t mean one every hour; that’s called an addiction, mom.

.. BUT IF YOU MUST THE “$100 DOLLAR RULE”

If you feel like you don’t have enough time or you know you can make it work, then I have a strategy for you. There are always exceptions to the rule; Everyone’s body is different and most things don’t work for everyone.

1. Figure out what you’re going to do for your diet whether it be cutting out carbs or limiting yourself to a specific number of calories per day, and find a friend that will do it with you.
2. Make a deal with that friend that if you cheat, you have to give them $100. I know it seems like a ton of money but it has to be worth it to you! Would you ever pay $100 for a slice of pizza? I sure wouldn’t.
3. DON’T CHEAT the system. If the two of you decide to cheat you both have to give $100 dollars to a different friend. Make sure from the start you find your people and you tell them the plan. That way you have someone to hold you accountable.
4. Give yourself 1 cheat meal per week -If you don’t cheat that week, save your cheat meal for the next week.
5. Watch the pounds fall off.

#2: DRINK A LOT OF WATER

I figure, if I drink so much water, I won’t be able to fit anything else in my body. (haha jk) This will prevent me from eating more junk.

(plus it boosts your metabolism=weight loss)

• Drink a glass of water before each meal, every morning when you wake up, and before you go to sleep (if your bladder can handle it)

#3: FIND HEALTHY FOODS THAT DON’T TASTE HEALTHY

If you don’t feel like you’re eating healthy, it won’t be so hard!

If you haven’t tried Halo Top Ice Cream then you need to! Halo Top has the same macros as a protein bar but tastes just as good as any other ice cream. Unless that ice cream is from Rockwell. Then it’s not as good. But seriously, I can’t talk it up enough.

MY GO-TO SNACKS:

• carrots and hummus or pretzel thins if I’m not feeling that healthy. lol.
• Fruit or smoothies, seriously frozen fruit and bananas are about as good as a smoothie with ice cream and they are good for you. Add some honey for extra sweetness.
• Apples with Peanut butter. nuff said. Also, thanks to the mower family I have tried peanut butter and plain fat-free Greek yogurt mixed, way better. The peanut butter becomes less stiff and a lot easier to eat.

BREAKFAST IDEAS:

• Eggs and wheat toast with peanut butter
• Smoothies: frozen fruit, peanut butter, protein powder and your liquid of choice (almond milk, orange juice, whatever floats your boat)
• Vanilla Greek yogurt with fruit and granola
• Protein shake/ Meal replacement

HEALTHY LUNCHES:

• Turkey or chicken wrap– get a wheat tortilla, add some avocado/guacamole or hummus, lay on the meat, cheese, and vegetables
• Salad– Start with your choice of greens: kale, spinach, romaine, etc. and add some grilled chicken.
  • low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, almonds, dried cranberries and low-calorie dressing of your choice
  • Mexican style: corn, avocado, black beans, and salsa

DINNER IDEAS:

• Salmon/ fish in general
• Grilled chicken and brown rice– add soy sauce and honey mixture on top

Make sure you mix it up. Don’t eat the same thing every day because it will get old fast. Pinterest has a ton of healthy recipes!!

#4: DON’T SKIP CARDIO

Seriously whoever invented jogging must enjoy pain. But cardio actually does wonders for your body. Find something you enjoy! I love swimming, biking, walking, and even sprinting on occassion.

#5: LIFT

I personally love lifting for a lot of reasons, the first being that lifting causes you to gain more muscle. Aside from the benefit of looking more muscular, having more muscle will allow you to burn more calories throughout the day. So if you like to eat a lot, lifting is a great option!

I workout three different muscle groups.

Shoulders and Triceps

-Back and Biceps

-Legs

 

Workout for just 30-60 minutes, 6 days a week and you will see your body transform!