When it comes to your physical health, most professionals in the biz would agree, there is no such thing as a “quick fix.” Fad diets, crash diets and an unhealthy approach to eating are the easiest ways to damage your body, mind and spirit. They will leave you feeling unbalanced, deprived and miserable, both short term and long term. There is, however, an acceptable way to prepare for that beach vacation next weekend without the drama, well…less drama. Remember, the proper diet should fit into your lifestyle like those new flats fit into your spring wardrobe…they should not leave you with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. These suggestions are not meant for use long-term nor do they fit the lifestyle and needs of every body type and appetite.
Eliminate Allergens. These include products containing: dairy, gluten, peanuts, vinegar, alcohol, wheat, and caffeine. OK, so now that you’re paying attention, remember, this isn’t meant to be a long-term solution, nor is it meant to make you ornery the week before your honeymoon. If you have the discipline, abstaining from these items for ten days will help cleanse your body of toxins and restore internal equilibrium.
Stay hydrated. The tried and true 64 oz. a day spiel is a great place to start. Water is basically the elixir of life. If you remain hydrated throughout the day, you will be less likely to eat when you are not hungry and won’t risk nausea during/after a vigorous workout.
Fiber. Nothing will make you feel lighter and happier than a king sized, heaping pile of thick, juicy…fiber.
Organic protein. Add an extra serving of lean, organic protein to your diet. This will help sustain you throughout the day and build muscle mass. Ladies, strength training is a necessity for total body fitness, so don’t leave it out. Eating protein will help keep your muscles strong, healthy and toned. A single serving size of protein should look like a deck of cards…regular playing cards, not the UNO deck, or grandpa’s jumbo variety.
Limit red meat. Unless you buy the leanest cut, organic filet and watch your serving size, this is unfortunately, a must. During your ten-day diet, stopping at Wendy’s, McDonald’s or any other burger joint is a major no-no.
Daily cardiovascular exercise. During a normal fitness schedule, three times a week is fine for cardio, but in the final stretch, its time to kick it up a notch! One notch will do just fine, maybe two, but you don’t want to over do it either. A daily activity that will increase your heart rate for thirty to forty-five minutes will help you get into that polka dot bikini!
Carbohydrates are your friend. They give you energy, they satiate your hunger, and they refill the glycogen stores that are depleted by physical activity. Not so fast, creampuff, no free pass here! The carbohydrates found in fruity pebbles and ice cream sundaes are NOT your friend. They are your frenemy. Unlike Heidi Montag, however, these bad boys will stay relevant awhile causing your body to store fat. During the next ten days, limit your servings to two or three. Brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes and oatmeal are examples of healthful carbohydrates that will provide the energy you need to meet your fitness goal.
Kara Stewart, personal trainer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders, inspired the guidelines above. Her practice is located at 302 N. Dale Mabry Ave. Tampa, FL 33609. You can contact her at kara.fitt@yahoo.com. Consult with your doctor before starting any diet and fitness routine.
