Crunch Time: Vacation Weight Loss

As much as we know the truth, we all have a small hope that a couple of weeks is where we will see major body transformation. We know it isn't true. To see a transformation as such takes a lot of effort and doesn't happen over night. But what happens when vacation is right around the corner and you haven't done much to meet your goals? Well, luckily there are some small changes that can help make a difference. 

I have vacation coming up in 3 weeks and have been prepping my body for the past two months. I've changed up my workouts, what I eat, how much sleep I'm getting, my alcohol in take, a lot of change! I feel great, I look better and I am one step closer to looking my best on the beaches of Hawaii. So what did I do to see a difference? 

Probiotic 
Eat more greens
Hydrate
8 hours of sleep
Workout often 
Become more conscious of everyday choices

Probiotic: I have always suffered from gut issues whether it was bloating or acid issues, it was always something. When I could just have about enough, I turned to a friend who is educated in more holistic remedies and she recommended a probiotic. I picked one up and my stomach hasn't been the same since (in a good way)! Not to get too graphic here but it has helped regulate me completely, brought down my bloating significantly and I don't have that disgusting sluggish feeling every day. Something I thought was just normal for my body really wasn't, I just needed to find a good fit. 

Eat more greens: Your parents always tell you to eat your veggies, but really you should. If you are not the type to order a salad or have a big side of broccoli with dinner that's okay, there are other options. One of my favorite ways to sneak in some vegetables is in shakes. I make protein shakes and make sure to add at least two cups of spinach. Making eggs? Add in some vegetables and make it an omelette. Making meatballs? Add in vegetables. The best part about a lot of vegetables like spinach, is that it doesn't have a strong taste which means you can add it to just about anything. 

Hydrate: This one is a biggie! If you aren't drinking enough water a day, your body will look bloated, your skin will break out and your hair won't be as glow-like. We need water in our bodies and when we don't have enough our bodies will hold onto what we do give it i.e. the reason you may be bloated. 

8 hours of sleep: I know it can be tough with our schedules to get in that full 8 hours, but schedule it like you'd schedule a doctors appointment. Sleep is imperative. We need that time to allow our body to rest and relax as well as recuperate. When you sleep you do burn calories, and with lack of sleep you are more likely to binge eat, not do your workout because you are too tired and not get through your day as easily. Once I started making my sleep a priority it was amazing how much better I felt. I am not a morning person, but I was beginning to wake up earlier and not feel tired or reaching for a cup of coffee. 

Workout often: This depends on your goals and your body type. You know your body better than anyone, so usually, you'll know what it reacts best to. I like to mix up my workouts between cardio sessions, HIIT and weight lifting. When I need to lose some lbs my body reacts best to HIIT and cardio sessions like running, so I focus more on those kinds of workouts. Like I said we are all different, so find out what works best for you. My week will typically look like 5 days of cardio and 2 days of weight lifting when I am in my "crunch" time. 

Become more conscious of everyday choices: This one seems kind of obvious, but maybe it isn't until you really hold yourself accountable. I decided to take my measurements every Wednesday which meant that I was holding myself accountable. I didn't want to go in for a measurement that week and not have lost anything or even worse gained! I actively thought about what I was putting into my body and how I would feel if I didn't get enough sleep or if I sacrificed a workout to do something else. It's the conversation you have to have with your inner self to keep you centered and on point for your goals.