Set realistic fitness goals
* Summer bodies are made in winter, so kick-start your fitness regime in good time; it doesn’t work to go berserk a week before your beach holiday begins.
* Do things you enjoy, whether it’s walking with friends, playing a game of tennis, running or going to yoga, otherwise you won’t stick to it.
* If you’re busy and looking for an intense fitness fix, HIIT (high intensity interval training) is a fast and effective workout. It also keeps your heart rate high so your body burns fat more quickly. Other popular workouts on the radar include barre, rebounding and boxing classes, as well as online cross training, which gained huge momentum since last year’s lockdown.
Look after your skin
* Book a deep cleanse to clear out clogged pores.
* Exfoliate your face regularly and swap heavy moisturisers for lightweight ones with more SPF as these will still hydrate your skin without the oil build-up.
* Invest in a good serum and vitamin C-infused products to give your skin a natural glow.
* And remember, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Care for your hair
* The first step to great looking hair is to get a good cut and fix the colour; a chop and a few highlights does wonders to brighten up your face.
* Deep condition your hair at home – you can use a handful of coconut oil – and speak to your hair stylist about specific treatments you might need; remember the healthier your hair is going in to summer, the less damage the sun, chlorine and sea will cause.
What about hair removal?
* If you find that you spend a small fortune on waxing, you could consider a more permanent solution like laser hair removal.
* Scrub your legs in the shower before shaving them and always keep them moisturised.
Bronze without the burn
* No one likes pasty white winter skin, but this doesn’t give you a pink ticket to lounge in the sun.
* Stay away from sun beds as they increase your risk of developing cell cancer.
* Go the self-tan route, but if you have a special occasion, get it professionally done at your local salon to avoid any streaky mishaps.
* If you’re self tanning at home, follow these steps:
- Get the right tone for your skin
- Exfoliate your whole body (do your knees, elbows, and ankles twice) to create a smooth surface; use a non oil-based exfoliator.
- Start at your feet and work upwards so you don’t have to bend over and make tan lines.
- Go easy – it’s safer to add more colour than reduce it.
- Stay naked for as long as you can after your application or wear old loose clothes; don’t shower before bed.
- Sleep on towels so you don’t dirty your sheets.
- Moisturise your skin every day after a self tan – it will last longer.
- Gradual tanning lotions work well, but you need to be patient as the colour builds up over time. Shimmers and bronzer give your skin an instant lift – great for a night out but be careful not to overdo it in the light of day.
Diet right
* Instead of crash dieting, stick to a healthy eating plan that suits your lifestyle and you’ll see the results.
* Plan a three-day kickstart to boost your metabolism; load up on fresh fruit and veg, ditch sugar, diet drinks and processed foods, alcohol and caffeine.
* Go meatless on Mondays.
* Make sure you’re eating good fats like nuts, olives, avocados and oil.
* Eat more lean protein, whole grains and slow-release carbohydrates.
* Treat yourself now and then; life is too short.
* Always add few greens to your morning smoothie.
You need:
1 Granny Smith apple, sliced and cored
1/2 pear
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 cup kale or spinach
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
1 cup ice cubes
1/2 cup water or apple juice
Method: Place all the ingredient in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until the desired consistency is reached. Add other greens should you wish.
Handy helpers
* As sandal weather approaches, be proactive with your feet; use a scrub weekly to soften calluses and a balm at night to smooth cracked heels (wear socks to sleep once you’ve put it on). Treat yourself to pedicure.
* Soak your feet in hot water mixed with 1/4 cup epsom salts, 1/4 cup sea salt, 1/2 cup baking powder, a few drops of lavender oil.
* For hands, give yourself mini manicures at home if the salon treatment is not in your budget. Apply cuticle oil and hand cream at night all through winter.
Wardrobe wonders
* Spend an afternoon organising your clothes so you know what items you need for summer.
* Look at your budget so you can plan your purchases.
* Shop online for great deals.
* Source: Recipe by Lisa Brain on behalf of Nutribullet; adapted from Wedding Inspirations
