Spring is right around the corner and bikini season is almost upon us. For many, this is not good news. Let’s face it, most of us have put on a few extra layers of “insulation” this winter season and aren’t exactly ready to squeeze into our itsy bitsy teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikinis. It sounds overwhelming, but have no fear because getting slim and fit is easy and it starts with good eating habits. We all know how hard it is to make sure we eat three square meals a day. Between classes and studying, eating healthy can be difficult especially when the easier option is to reach for the junk food. Here are some tips to kick-start your bikini body slim down:
- Just don’t buy junk food! If you don’t have it at your reach then it’s much easier to opt for the healthier option
- Drink a lot of water! More times than not hunger is confused with thirst.
- Control your portions! Portion control is the key to a healthy weight. Use tricks like using a smaller plate, or a bigger spoon or fork. Watching your food disappear faster tricks your stomach into thinking that you are full.
- Skip the bus! Walk to class instead of riding the bus. Every mile you walk burns about 100 calories.
- Pack a snack! Eating small snacks throughout the day keeps your metabolism going and reduces your urge to over eat when you get home.
Snacking throughout the day seems like a hassle, but with these quick and healthy treats it’s a breeze! The trick is to plan ahead. Here are some ideas for healthy snacking.
Baked Granola: This is a super healthy and delicious snack that you can make in bulk.
-Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
-In a large mixing bowl add almonds, peanuts, oats, raisins, and dried cranberries
-Next add about a tablespoon of splenda and half a tablespoon of cinnamon
-Add about 2 tablespoons of sugar-free syrup
-Mix it all together and spread on a baking sheet
-Bake the mix for 15 minutes
-Wait for it to cool, and then put it all in a large Ziploc bag
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Hummus and veggies: This is another snack you can make in bulk. Since you’re making the hummus homemade, you can control the fat and calories.
-Take two cans of chickpeas and drain the water from each
-Add about 2 tablespoons of tahini to the chickpeas (Tahini can be found in the international aisle of your local grocery store)
-Next roughly chop two cloves of garlic and add them to the mixture
-Combine all the ingredients into a food processor and while it’s blending add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
-Add a pinch of salt
-Chop up various veggies of your liking and store them in a Ziploc bag
Take small containers of hummus and a bag of veggies with you to class. It’s not only healthy, but the small containers help control your portions!
Make your own protein packed fruit and yogurt parfait: A lot of parfaits you buy have unwanted and unneeded fat, so why not make your own?
-Take any yogurt flavor of your choice, but try to get one under 100 calories. Many of your favorite yogurt brands make a light version.
-Add fresh blueberries and strawberries for antioxidants
-Then add almonds to boost the protein content even more. Having protein in your diet is essential for a healthy weight
This snack is easy to take with you on the go, just put the separate ingredients into a small plastic bag and you’re out the door!