Top Tips for a Summer Beach Body

As we move further into the year, the mornings have got lighter and the evenings longer and dare I tempt fate by saying we have even seen our first glimpse of sun in the UK. But panic not, for those of you who have got beach bodies to bare in forthcoming months you still have time to ensure you’re in tip top shape for the summer. Read our top tips to make you feel great in the sun:

1) Fix up your diet

You may have heard the classic age old sayings,“abs are made in the kitchen” and “you are what you eat”, and believe them or not, they couldn’t be more true in the run up to your holiday or the summer season. But before you frantically don yourself in lycra and hit the gym, I’d firstly take a look at your current diet. Afternoon biscuit breaks and regular weekend binges sound familiar? It’s time to make some changes or small swaps to your daily eating habits.

What you eat really does affect your physical appearance, making a difference to everything from your skin, hair, nails and belly. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals can put you in good stead for the hot summer days where clothes are tighter and more flesh is on show.

Some foods to introduce:

- Avocados – great for clear skin and shiny hair

- Nuts and seeds – rich in fibre, protein and good fats these foods help keep you full and help digestion

- Green tea - a great alternative to caffeine and helps to reduce bloating. Full of antioxidants, Green tea will also boost your immune system.

- Water – we cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated, enough water will make a huge difference to your skin and ensures bright eyes, strong nails and brain power!

Some foods to swap:

- Sugary breakfast cereals should be replaced with wholegrain oats, fibre based grains or a protein rich breakfast such as scrambled or poached eggs

-  Tea and biscuits in the afternoon can be swapped for a fruit or herbal tea along with fruit or vegetable sticks

- Your Sunday hangover cure of a full English can be made healthier by grilling, poaching and swapping white for brown bread.

2) Working Out

Excessive exercise will not get you a six pack in a matter of days, weeks or even months unless it is done properly and strategically. Never exercised before? Ease yourself in gently; swap the escalators for stairs or your car for a bike, get out in the fresh air and you’ll feel not only physically better but mentally too. When you exercise, you release endorphins which make you feel great – these normally kick in post workout, so make the most of this window. Exercising before you hit the beach will not only increase your confidence in swimwear, but will leave you feeling smug all day whilst you watch other holiday makers gorge endlessly at the breakfast buffet or embark on their second trip to the ice cream stand.

If you are already quite active, shock your body out of its routine. If you run, try sprints. If you cycle, try spinning or make a change to your current programme. Full body workouts will ensure you hit every part of your body ready for its all important summer debut. Don’t overtrain, or you won’t keep it up and make sure in the run up to summer you enjoy all of the exercise you do so that it doesn’t become a chore. Research has shown that it takes 4 weeks for you to notice a change in your body, close friends and family will see them at week six and for everyone else, around 12 weeks so don’t give up.

3) Choosing your beach outfit

Absolutely integral for beach body confidence, a good piece of swimwear can make the world of difference to how you stride across the sand.

A well fitted pair of swimming shorts can enhance your leg shape and high waisted bikini bottoms may hide a multitude of sins and at the same time create curves. If you’re body conscious, a kaftan is a great way for women to cover up and for men a loose vest or stylish t-shirt still looks great on the beach. Go for clothes that are cool and comfortable but versatile too, you might want to cover up more if you are heading into eat from the beach or don a sun hat when your head starts to get warm. Humbling

4) Protect your skin

Sunscreen is not just essential for the beach. What about in the run up to your beach debut? Exfoliating your skin will ensure an even base for any sun tan you might acquire as well as leaving your skin silky soft. Plenty of moisturiser will prepare your skin for more exposure, leaving your skin until it is dry or flaky is too late – ensure you are using a light moisturiser on your skin daily.

So, now you have read our top 4 tips to ensure you look and feel great on the beach you’re ready to get prepared for summer. What are your top tips?