Whether you’re heading to Cancun, Punta Cana, Panama City or simply having a “staycation” back at home, we’ve all got a case of Spring Break Fever. The gyms are packed, the salad bars are running low, and the bods are looking fine just in time for the hottest week of the year. However, as we’ve all learned crash dieting never works so in order to avoid a disaster a few days into spring break, I’m here to tell you the secrets to maintaining the hot body you have been working hard for throughout the entire week.
Secret #1: The Airport
The best way to look great in a bikini fast is to cut back on salts and load up on water. Airport snacks are not only your 6-pack’s worst nightmare, but also an unworthy hit on your wallet. With just a few wrong decisions made at Hudson News’ snack aisle or McDonald’s dollar menu, you might as well say goodbye to a few days worth of hard work.
1. Bring your own snacks. Unopened dry foods are allowed through security. Airport snacks are insanely priced and are packed with sodium and calories that bloat your belly. Not so good news when you’re about to shred off the layers.
Instead of buying a peanut butter granola bar that is packed with salts and sugars, bring your own unsalted nut mix through security.
2. Stay smart and motivated when you smell the fast food chains. After all those long lines, an early wake up call, and if your really lucky, a rigorous pat down by Bob at security, you’re dying to reward yourself with a small fry and frosty. Don’t do it. Think about how good you’re feeling and how fast food will change that happy mood of yours. If you find yourself in line at McDonalds, instead of buying a small fry and frosty, choose the apple wedges on the kids menu and low fat yogurt.
3. Stay away, far away, from the soda. Carbonated drinks immediately bloat your stomach with all those bubbles that will show for days in your bathing suit. Buy a large water bottle when you arrive to stay hydrated, full, and naturally flush out body toxins.
Secret #2: Restaurants
Vacation time goes hand in hand with restaurant time. Tropical locations are the perfect place to find fresh fruits and veggies. Put the delicious back into healthy eating by recommending restaurants to your friends that are delicious and nutritious. Instead of hitting up Italian restaurants, go out for some healthy fresh sushi. I know we all want to enjoy ourselves, but you can still do that! Ask your waiter about the health conscious items and order some fresh fish or grilled mango chicken, and load up on the greens as your side options. Trust me, neither you nor your tummy will be regretting it.
Secret #3: Stay active
Wake up an hour early to take a walk on the beach, go for a light run or find some beachside yoga. You may be hurting from the night before, but this will quickly make you feel better and looking better for the day ahead of you. Don’t let that hangover get the best of you because a little exercise in the morning will flush out the alcohol (think 6-pack) and boost your energy, making you feel like a star all day. Make a plan with your friends to get up and go because once your back in the cold weather at home, you will be wishing you took advantage of it! If you can’t get up one morning for your exercise, you can always make up for it by dancing the night away!
This is your time to sit back, relax and soak in the goodness! Enjoy yourself, but keep a constant reminder of how good you felt going into spring break by eating healthy and taking care of yourself. Most of all, have fun! The real secret to looking great is feeling great! Don’t be hard on yourself because we are all our own worst critics. Spring break is your time to enjoy yourself, not worry about what everyone else is thinking so live it up! Happy Spring Break everyone! xoxo