If you’re looking to get fit and toned for your best summer body ever, here are my top 10 tips to help you look and feel your best. If you’re wondering how to get a summer body in the sense of feeling healthier than ever all summer long - get ready for your best summer yet as you sweat, eat, and dream your way to your fittest self with these simple, but key, tips!
BODY
1. Just Move
Move your body! Commit to at least 15 minutes of exercise a day. It doesn’t have to be complicated - listen to your body and go from there. Go for a jog, walk your dog, or enjoy a light yoga session at the least. If you’re feeling up for it, challenge your body with some HIIT training, or functional strength training to burn some major calories and strengthen and tone your entire body. Whatever you do, establishing consistency is key to continue building your fitness, and keeping your body feeling fresh.
2. Follow a Specific Fitness Plan
Some people workout for years just repeating the few same workouts they know and wondering why they don’t see results. If this sounds like you, a specific fitness plan geared towards your goals will make a world of difference. It’s about working smarter, not harder. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this article where I give example workout schedules for losing weight, gaining muscle, or just general fitness for health. Let’s start making some progress!
3. Stretch More
Stretching probably isn’t the first thing you think of when thinking about how to get your best summer body, but injury can quickly derail your journey! At the end of your workout, take a minimum of 5 minutes stretching out your body, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds for best results. You’ll be amazed at how great your body feels, and you may even see better results from your fitness program.
4. Rest & Recovery
Getting a good night's sleep is important, but it’s not the only thing your body needs to feel it’s best. If you work out regularly, it's important to incorporate recovery days into your workout schedule. A recovery day isn’t necessarily taking total rest from your routine, it’s just a lighter day focused on giving your body some extra love and care.
Recovery days typically involve light movement like walking, jogging, cycling or swimming that are a little lighter on the joints and cardiovascular system, as well as a more involved stretching routine or even a yoga flow to loosen up muscles and work out any tight spots that have built up from tougher workouts. Incorporate at least 1-2 recovery days into your regular schedule.
FOOD & DRINK
5. Eat Healthy
Eat nutritious, fresh, whole foods as much as possible. Lean protein like chicken, fish and eggs, healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, dark leafy greens, whole grains, and a colorful mix of fruits and veggies. Make the most of those garden-fresh fruits and veggies that taste so much better when they’re in season!
Try to limit sugary, processed, packaged foods in your diet, as these tend to add calories without helping you feel full. By eating as clean as you can, it’ll help cut unnecessary calories in your diet, while helping you feel your best!
6. Prioritize a Healthy Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast and lunch are the meals in our day that we typically have the most control over. Take advantage, by packing in your healthy nutrients early in the day, with both a breakfast and lunch high in lean protein and healthy fats, fruits and veggies - this way you’re getting all the micro and macronutrients you need to fuel your body earlier in the day, keeping you full and satisfied all day long.
7. Splurge in Moderation
In the summer, it can be tough to stick to a healthy eating plan. We do great for a few days and then we get swept away to weddings, parties or dinners where it can be tough to make healthy choices. In my opinion, there’s room for all foods in a healthy diet - some are just meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Treat yourself 5-10% of the time when it’s actually worth it, without regret, and without getting off track!
8. Drink Smarter
Where there are pool parties, beach days, and backyard barbeques - alcohol is a-flowin’. Cocktails tend to be super sugary and can bank up to 500 calories! Instead enjoy a shot of your favorite hard alcohol with a splash of soda and a squeeze of citrus for a nice light drink, right around 100 calories!
MIND
9. Love Your Body
Regardless of what you look like on the outside; I would argue, loving your body is the most important step in feeling ready to rock your ‘summer body’ with confidence. Learn to respect your body, be grateful for what it allows you to accomplish and do every day. With a positive perspective, you’ll not only feel more confident in your body through any life stage, you’ll also be more apt to workout, eat and live well out of love for your body. Once you find that respect, there’s no taking that away.
10. Start the Day Right
I know not everyone jumps out of bed ready to grab life by the horns at the crack of dawn; but, even if you aren’t a morning person, you have the power to shape your entire day with a little preparation. Practice self-care by waking up each morning to spend a minimum of 5 quiet minutes dedicated to yourself. No noise, no emails, no kids.
Grab a coffee, find your favorite little spot in your home, and take this time to focus on what you’ll do today to achieve your goals. Plan out your meals, schedule your workout, and positively posture your mind for the day ahead! This intentional time will help you be more productive, and consciously live happier and healthier all summer long.
