Heading to a green or amber country this year? Here are my top tips to feel your best self
This year, summer bodies aren’t a thing. Instead we should be encouraging women to feel comfortable and confident in their skin all year round. But it can be a little daunting if you’ve gained some lockdown weight and don’t feel as confident as you’d like.
The first point of call is usually for us to panic, find the most drastic diet plan and hit cardio 7 times a week. But not this time. You know as well as me that it doesn’t work, especially not in the long term.
You’re miserable for the few weeks you’re being incredibly restrictive. Sure you might feel great on holiday, but you’ll quickly fall back into your old habits. This means any progress you made will be gone in an instant.
If you’re heading to a green or amber country this year, read my top tips to feel your best self on holiday and all year round.
Increase your protein intake
When assessing your dietary habits, one of the first things you should look at is how much protein you’re eating. Aim for at least 1 gram of protein per kg of bodyweight, potentially more if you’re doing a lot of strength training. Not only does protein take longer to digest than carbohydrates and therefore leave you feeling fuller for longer, but it is also essential if you want to build muscle. If you want a defined look, your muscles need enough protein to rebuild and grow strong.
Remember to eat your veg
Remember when you were told you couldn’t leave the table until you’d finished your vegetables? Well that rule should still hold true in adulthood. There is so much information out there online regarding nutrition that we often forget about the basics. Aim for a minimum of 5 fruit and vegetables a day and pack your plate with veg. Vegetables are low calorie and nutrient dense, meaning you get more for your money and are their lower in calorie. Meaning you can fill your plate with them without the worry about going over your calories.
Increase your water intake
More often than not, when you think you’re hungry you’re actually just thirsty. But, drinking a glass of water sounds no way near as appealing as eating your favourite snack. Next time you feel the cravings kick in, ask yourself when was the last time you drank water? I bet more often than not, you haven’t had enough. Aim for a minimum of 2 litres per day and again even more if you train regularly.
Limit snacking
When speaking to clients, I find that the biggest downfall in their nutrition is snacking. Not because snacking is bad, but because the snacks people often choose are high in sugar, salt and lacking in nutrients. This makes them a poor choice when you want a healthy and balanced diet. One way to tackle this is by ensuring you eat enough during meal times. Pack your plate with vegetables and protein so you feel full after each meal. I promise you if you do this, you’ll be less tempted to snack and most likely notice a reduction in cravings.
Ready to pack your bags then?
By following these tips, not only will you be confident on holiday, but you’ll feel your best self all year round, without having to restrict your lifestyle.
Do you need to support on planning out you meals and understanding what you need to do to achieve your goals?
Email me at hello@paiigefitness.co.uk, with the words ‘LET’S WORK TOGETHER’ and I’ll be in touch!
