Last year (on 5/17 funny enough) I answered my college friend M’s plea for help with some Pre Beach Tips. It turns she wasn’t the only one in need of a “reducing routine” and the post was one of the post popular I’ve done.Rather than reposting last year’s advice I spruced things up for the 2011 version.
Let’s face it, clothing can camouflage. Tummy troubles? Enter the empire waist. Large “hind quarters”, try a longer jacket. There are even dolman sleeves for untoned upper arms. Just about any part can be concealed or improved with the right outfit; you’ve seen the makeover shows you know what I mean. Memorial Day is on its way and soon many of us will be donning bathing suits for summer. While the magazines will tell you there’s a correct suit for your shape, they are pacifying you in the hopes that you buy them. The truth is there’s no secrecy in a swimsuit. Your shape is your shape and it will soon be out for everyone to see (sarongs only do so much). Cue the horror movie music.
Many of my clients roll their eyes at me when I talk wellness. They aren’t convinced they have to go to great lengths to improve their energy level. However, when I say the “s” word, reminding them swimsuit season is soon, they listen to what I have to say.
If you’re like them, here are 10 “scared skinny” swimsuit tips:
Pretend You are Brooklyn
Chances are, as you read this you aren’t actually Brooklyn Decker (of Sports Illustrated swimsuit fame). However, carry yourself as though you are. In an interview, Helen Mirrin was asked, “what’s sexy”? Her answer “confidence.” If you’ve seen her, in her 60’s, rock a bikini you know that’s the case. Confidence has nothing to do with size or age and if you aren’t bubbling over in “I am amazing-ness” no problem, fake it
Blast the Bloat
Sodium and potassium work in a balance. My favorite high-potassium de-bloaters are oranges, avocados, and cantaloupe. While these de-bloaters are easy to find, my “secret weapon” is Rodial tummy tuck sticks. They are rich in green clay, fennel seeds, and prebiotic fiber to help eliminate toxins and flatten bellies.
Go Gluten free
While I don’t what to minimize the severity of Celiac disease, the majority of those on GF diets aren’t celiacs. Some have GI issues, others dermatologic concerns improved by eliminating gluten. The reason some lose weight on GF regimes is simple, many foods with gluten aren’t healthy. Breads, muffins, cookies and cakes aren’t exactly ingredients for skinny jeans. I tell my clients bagels are not for thin people and it’s true. The reason every fad diet is l lower carb is simple, it works.
Exit the Elliptical.
Ever seen a friend you haven’t seen in a while and they look great, amazing, lean and just different? When you ask how they did it or what they changed did they ever say they started to use the Precor? Or that they’ve been walking? Hold your emails and comments I am not saying these forms of exercise are useless. You want to raise your good cholesterol, ease your way into exercise, de-stress…that’s different. You want to feel less lumpy in a swimsuit, we need more. Run, spin, use the stair climber (looks like staircase), jump rope or whatever form of exercise you hate or feel is “too hard.” Do this 6 days a week (aren’t I nice?) for 45-60 minutes. Do it in your swimsuit for bonus points.
Make like Kate
Make like Kate
In my opinion one of the best things about Osama’s exit was that we no longer had to hear about “the wedding”. The Kate Middleton love fest was a little hard to handle: the dress, the poise, the love she and William share, enough! Want to know Kate’s secret? Why she looked so elegant and regal? It’s her posture. Her posture is friggin’ perfect. Shoulders back, gut (especially for those of us who have one) sucked in and you’re instantly thinner.
Kick Cocktails to the Curb
What would a short-term goal be without some good old-fashioned sacrifice and self-deprivation? Skip the 3 Cs: Canned foods (soups, beans), Carbonated beverages (Diet Coke aka liquid nastiness included), and Cocktails until you feel prepped for the pool.
Done Toning? Try Tanning
We’re in the home stretch and there’s a chance all the cardio in the world isn’t going to “cure” us. There will still be some bumps and lumps but we know one thing for sure, as with ice cream- when it comes to beach bodies chocolate beats vanilla. The Baywatch cast first showed us, now DWTS is continuing the tanning trend, try it and you’ll see.
Minimize Tush to Chair Time
Sure, you may go to the gym and that’s great- congratulations. Guess what? That doesn’t excuse you to sit for the rest of the day. When you’re on the phone? Walk and Talk. Watching TV? Perfect time for plank. At the computer? Standing beats sitting. Treat it like a game and visualize your tush taking up more and more space every time you sit, are you standing as you read this?
Work that Water
Work that Water
Researchers can debate the amount of water we need to drink for optimal health, but in the meantime, we’ll tell you how much H20 you need to look your best – a lot.We suggest 96 ounces daily of a combination of water with a cup or two of Teas Tea green tea, Zico coconut water, or Hint water mixed in for variety. It’s counterintuitive, but water helps you lose water. And if we’re dehydrated, sometimes we’re tempted to eat when we actually need to drink, so just drink up in the first place.
Enlist a Foodtrainer
Enlist a Foodtrainer
I’ll help you enact these simple steps. If you’re in NYC and need some accountability, you can find me here. You can also Tweet @Foodtrainers to let me know what you’re plan is to get slimmer for summer. And remember, this may be the perfect time to #TIDEI. (Tweet it don’t eat it).
What do you do to get bathing suit ready? Which tip above is the most helpful? And at the beach are you a Helen Mirrin (full of confidence) or a cover-upper like me?
What do you do to get bathing suit ready? Which tip above is the most helpful? And at the beach are you a Helen Mirrin (full of confidence) or a cover-upper like me?
Love this post. Full of practical tips with a pinch of humor 🙂
Thanks Aidan. Better a "pinch" of humor than a pinch of…
Great tips. I am intrigued by those tummy tuck sticks…thinking of springing for them! Do you know if there is anywhere in NYC that carries them or would I have to order on line. And, Shh…don't tell Andrew how much they cost!
I tweeted my plan 🙂
Great post here. I think the water suggestion is key, as well as the one about getting some sun (it does make a difference!). I do, however, use the elliptical for my workouts. I have bad ankles and feet so the least pounding I Do, the better.
Also, as far as GF foods are concerned, have you seen them lately?? Many are not healthy at all, and I'd almost rather have a bagel. Just an FYI. They are making them better though, slowly but surely.
Good points Gina. With regard to the elliptical, our suggestion was to take it up a notch. It is easy to cruise on the elliptical so even if running isn't an option the key is to increase intensity when trying to maximize short term results. And we're definitely not in favor of processed foods gluten free or otherwise. I don't eat wheat and feel my diet is cleaner since removing it (react to it). I think watching the grains period is a good short term goal. I can't say anything good about a bagel (except those by French Meadow). Love the feedback!
Oh the elliptical. I always see people going on it forever with the resistance set to 1. I wanna be like, "you know, honey…" but I'm pretty sure that they'd not think kindly of my help. Or the fact that I'm peeking at their stats.
I loved this post until it got to the tanning part. Take it back PLEASE!
Carrie- a little faux glow not your thing? OK follow other 9 tips. Jessica- glad I'm not only one looking at other people's gym stats, ha!
These are really great tips – I am definitely guilty of not getting enough water some days, even though I try pretty hard to avoid dehydration. And I'm going to stock up on cantaloupe and avocados because bloating is a problem for me!
I have the same problem with running, it's too hard on my hip joints. I do it occasionally on the treadmill but can't do much – so I stick to the elliptical when I can't get to a spin or kickboxing class. I try to do a program on the elliptical, which keeps me from slacking off – it automatically ups the resistance level and if you go too slow it will shut off, so you're forced to maintain a pretty decent level of activity. It's not as good as running (or a spin class with a great instructor) but it's a good "light day" gym activity as long as I throw in a little weight training too.
These are some great ideas! I love your blog, Lauren! Following for sure! 🙂
Great tips! I agree that confidence is a big part of it! Even if I look good, I still struggle with that part.
I have been really good about eating and working out these last couple weeks. I have a friend coming to visit in June, so I am hoping to feel more bikini ready by then.
How fun is this post! I would not work out in my swimsuit but I do only wear a sports bra with my shorts. That way I can see my progress of be reminded where I need to improve!
ps. I am standing while I read/type this!
OMG Erin, I stood up too. Extra points for the sports bra. Kristen, just channel "brooklyn" I saw your trip photos you look great.
Cameo ~ Amazon sells them: http://www.amazon.com/Rodial-Skincare-Tummy-Tuck-Sticks/dp/B0034JJORE
Great tips Lauren – thanks!!
Awesome post! So many good tips. I love the elliptical tip. I see so many people that are taking it easy. I just want to tell them if they would work a little harder, they would burn more calories & probably be able to cut down their workout time.
Wow this is an awesome post! Great tips and information. I love the tip about the water because so many people are dehydrated and don't even know it!!
Alicia we need to combine your "water information" and mine. You can help your weight, finances and the planet with couple easy changes.
Fun post, Lauren.
Not sure I agree with the GF (lots of corn-based processed junk out there for the GF crowd), or about the tan (pretty, but not healthy for your skin), but plenty of good advice!
Love the tanning tip – self tanner can go a loooong way (just open any issue of Allure – almost every model is bronzed; and Shape magazine is famous for cover model spray-on sculpting).
One of the best products- Jergen's (yes, Jergen's) natural glow daily. Makes transition from black tights to bare legs super simple!
Love this post, and love that you are revisiting this topic! I will share this with everyone. And someday, someday, I hope to be as hot at Helen Mirrin. Completely agree about the tan as well…self-tanner hides a multitude of sins.
@Cameo — The Tummy Tuck sticks are on sale here:
http://www.essentialdermcare.com/Rodial-Tummy-Tuck-Sticks.html?gclid=CLD40uiW8qgCFaRl7AodhhpaFg
Jenifer, Marie I'm with you on the tan thing, seems people are so split on it. Cameo, many people love the tummy sticks, let me know what you think.
fun tips yep came to the UK for nearly three weeks got to see all my family he he
Why hasn't anyone commented on your "Make like Kate" tip? That's the best one in my book…maybe it's because I have a tendency to slouch. 🙁 I'm laughing about you saying do something while you're at your computer. My plan this summer was to work out in the morning, and spend the rest of the day on the porch swing reading…maybe not the best idea!
I agree Devin, posture can make a big difference. I'll try to brainstorm how "swinging" can work for you (the G rated kind of swinging).
I'm in with you and the, although I'm usually to impatient to apply it and let it dry, so I rarely use it. Going gluten-free has done wonders for my health, but I don't think gluten is inherently bad if one isn't a celiac/gluten sensitive (although so many are undiagnosed!). I do agree that cutting back the carbs helps though. And I'm trying to do more strength training because that really helps with getting some body confidence!
Half of my problem is my terrible posture. I totally slump! It's so bad but I constantly forget to stop…I think it's become a habit since I sit in front of my computer for 90% of my day.
Great tips Lauren! Thank you for sharing. Brooklyn is my inspiration – she is gorgeous.
This is an amazing list of tips, Lauren! Totally do-able changes to make in the next couple of weeks. Water is so important especially during the summer months, thanks for the reminder that it's crucial to slimming down too.
wow! seriously, best list of swimsuit tips all in one post. Love it. The "do it in your swimsuit for bonus points" comment made me laugh! Ha! I really think you hit all the major points..great GREAT advice!
Love that confidence is tip #1. Definitely the most beautiful people at the pool are the ones with the most confidence!
Those are pretty good advises that share with us. but it is quite hard to find something that it is gluten free.