Be Holiday Ready

With the holiday season upon us, feeling confident in your own skin is hugely satisfying and can determine your mood for the whole summer, especially when on holiday.

Summer bodies are made in the winter, its only now those who made a consistent effort throughout the year can go away with a big smile and raised self esteem.

Here are a few tips in order to lighten the calories on holiday and hold on to your figure, without spoiling your fun:

It starts at the airport – A full English with extra bread and muffin is probably not the best start. These are unnecessary calories before you even step on the plane.

Try to eat before you go – avoid the tempting sandwiches, often laden with cheese and mayonnaise on the flight. Buy something more healthy in the airport and take it with you. Eating unhealthy food at the airport and on the flight will probably leave you bloated and sluggish, which isn’t great when you hit the beach later in the day.

Breakfast on holiday – try to avoid stodgy food such as white bread, pancakes especially with syrup and sugary cereals. Look towards eggs, ham and fruit eg try melon and berries for a healthier start to the day

Go for a walk and raise your heart rate – this will help burn more calories, try to have a decent walk each day. Obviously, if you normally train and there is a gym available, a 45 minutes workout 2-3 times a week, to keep you ticking over, would be great. If you train throughout the year, a week off may do you good. We all need time out and you will come back refreshed and ready to restart.

If there isn’t a gym why not train on the beach for 20 mins – focusing on big muscle groups including exercises such as squats, lunges, star jump, stomach exercises, press ups, the plank and some short 20-30 metre sprints would be ideal. I’m sure anyone watching would only be impressed and inspired by your dedication and effort. My Tynemouth Longsands Beach Bootcamp incorporates all of this, why not join us and learn what to do?

I would suggest training in the morning before breakfast and away from the hottest part of the day, this also leaves the rest of the day free to relax.

Try some small stomach crunches on your sun bed – repeating 10-30 crunches every few hours will soon take you to over 100 for the day.

Make sure you drink around 2-3 litres of water during the day – stay away from cans of fizzy soda or energy drinks, they may contain up to 20 teaspoons of sugar per bottle. Avoid rich creamy cocktails – they are packed with calories. A spirit with slimline tonic or a glass wine is a better option. Beer or lager will probably leave you bloated.

Snacking on nuts and crisps at the bar is too easy – limit yourself to a few, then move them out of your reach.

Choose grilled food rather than fried – then make sensible choices such as vegetables or salad rather than chips.

Eating from a buffet – fish and lean meat are the best choices and will keep you fuller for longer.

Incorporating a few of my tips should help you continue to look and feel good throughout your summer break.