After pigging out over Christmas break and eating those last Valentine’s chocolates, a college girl can feel defeated before the sun has even begun to shine when trying to get ready for swimsuit season. Some girls can eat whatever they want without bulging or bloating in a bikini. I, on the other hand, had to come up with a special plan before swimsuit season. Here is what I do to fight those insecurities and feel confident during swimsuit season. This spring, take off your coverup and hit the pool!
Preparation
Photo by Paulina Lam
One week before your flat tummy day be sure to eat plenty of fiber. Leafy greens and whole grains will keep digestion smooth.
Photo by Paulina Lam
The day before you flaunt your mid-drift, drink double your normal water intake to flush out toxins.
Photo by Christin Urso
The night before, have yourself a rabbit dinner. Cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, zucchini and squash are all great options. Include a vegetable with protein and iron like cooked spinach or steamed broccoli with lemon.
The Big Day
Photo by Christin Urso
For breakfast, have a bowl of sliced bananas, raspberries, almonds and walnuts.
Photo by Christin Urso
For lunch, make a colorful salad that includes flavorful veggies like red peppers, cucumber, Brussels sprouts and tomatoes. Don’t forget the protein: Almonds, black beans, garbanzo, kidney or black eyed peas are all good options. Make your own dressing with equal parts olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice to drizzle over your lunch. Say no to cheese and croutons which both encourage bloating.
Photo by Christin Urso
For dinner, your plate should still be dominated by vegetables, but leave room for protein: grilled chicken breast, a salmon filet or any fish will do the trick. If after dinner you’ve got a sweet tooth, definitely forget the ice cream tonight.
Photo by Paulina Lam
Try grapefruit for a sweet-tart dessert and have snacks in between meals. Fresh fruit and veggie juice is perfect for this. My favorite: Suja from Whole Foods.
Photo by Paulina Lam
Photo by Paulina Lam
If juice isn’t an option consider a small apple, sweet potato, or sliced bell peppers with hummus.
Things to avoid
Spoiler alert: all bodies are different and enzymes in the small intestine react differently to food products from person to person. That said, the majority of digestive tracts find dairy offensive. Steer clear of dairy products all day to avoid bloating. To do even better, avoid white flour, sugar, wheat bread, oatmeal and products with gluten. The most important part is not overeating. Listen to your body! Eat when you feel hungry, not just because it’s lunchtime or you’re bored. Eat slowly enough to realize when you’re full and immediately box up the rest or put it away.
Stick to these tips and you’re ready to confidently join the pool party!