by Clarissa Hartley

Have you ever booked a holiday, picturing yourself gleefully soaking up the sun, but then started worrying about how you’d look in your swimsuit? Fret not, as confidence begins the moment you decide to love your body irrespective of its shape or size. However, it’s always beneficial to make some healthful adjustments to ensure you feel your best, both physically and mentally, during your summer fun. Let’s walk through some simple lifestyle, dietary, and mindset transformations that can make a world of difference.

1. Show Compassion to Your Body

Progress and self-improvement are always fulfilling, but remember to show kindness to yourself throughout the journey. Avoid restrictive diets, excessive exercise, and the pressure to achieve a specific physique. Instead, try adopting a more holistic approach – find a sense of comfort and positivity towards your body. Here are three simple rituals to adopt:

1. Practice daily gratitude: Start your day by noting down three things you’re thankful for. Set positive goals and stay committed to them.
2. Find joy in movement: You don’t need to commit hours to a workout routine. Spend a few minutes each day doing a physical activity you enjoy. Celebrate the fact that you can move.
3. Practice self-acceptance: Don’t push yourself too hard. Celebrate your small achievements. Your body is beautiful just the way it is, and numbers on a scale can’t define your worth.

2. Say Goodbye to the Scale

If you often find yourself stepping on the scales, only to be disappointed, it may be time to let them go. Instead, try performing fitness tests, such as holding a plank for as long as you can, measuring how many lunges or press-ups you can do in 60 seconds, and then striving to improve these numbers. Feeling stronger, more fit, and energized is far more important than a number on the scale.

3. Introduce Weightlifting into Your Workout

While cardio exercises may expend more calories, anaerobic workouts like weightlifting keep your post-workout calorie burn going for longer. This is because your body requires more oxygen afterward to recover and repair muscles. Exercises such as squats and lunges work your largest muscles, so you get the highest calorie burn to help with healthy weight loss.

4. Fuel Your Body with Nutrient-Dense Foods

If you want to feel more energized for your workouts, adding fiber-dense foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits to your diet can provide a powerful boost. Not only does dietary fiber support a healthier gut, but it also regulates blood sugar levels, stabilizes energy, and helps manage your weight naturally.

5. Swap Long Workouts for High-Intensity Intervals

Research shows that performing bite-sized bursts of high-intensity fitness throughout your day can be just as effective as a longer workout. So, consider exchanging that extended evening jog for a few short, intense activities instead.

6. Sweat It Out with Friends for Fun and Fitness

Exercising in a group is proven to motivate individuals to work harder and for longer durations. Besides, workouts become more fun with a buddy! Swapping your usual brunch date for a workout could even encourage healthier choices for the rest of the day.

7. Pause and Reflect on Your Fitness Journey

If you’re struggling with self-confidence, try ‘mirror work.’ Facing a mirror every morning, tell yourself, ‘I’m beautiful and perfect just the way I am.’ Such daily affirmations can quickly reinforce positivity and love towards oneself.

8. Make Protein a Priority

Protein is essential for fueling your strength workouts, maximizing muscle growth and repair, and keeping you satiated. Consider adding a protein shake to your post-workout meal to stay full until your next meal.

9. Unleash Your Inner Dancer

Dancing can improve body confidence and mental wellbeing. Not only do you reap the benefits of exercise, but the endorphin release can also leave you feeling empowered and joyous.

10. Perfect Your Posture

A good posture instantly makes you appear slimmer and more confident. Depending on your natural posture type, there are specific exercises you can do to correct your form and alleviate any associated physical discomforts.

Looking forward to a fitter, healthier summer? Let’s get moving!

weightloss, health, wellbeing, fitness, dancing, nutrition, body positivity, self-love