Losing it, without losing it

After I broke off a button on my favorite Marc Jacobs skirt (yes, from overeating…embarrasing) and making some exciting summer purchases i.e. new bathing suit.  I decided it’s maybe time for (dare i say it) a diet.  Ok,  just kidding I don’t diet! Haha.  I have been trying to watch what I eat though and it probably doesn’t help that the bf keeps making PERFECT chocolate chip cookies…

When it comes to my eating habits, I’ve always gone by the rule “everything in moderation” but since bathing suit season is right around the corner and eating “everything in moderation” (emphasis on EVERYTHING) wasnt really helping in keeping my buttons from popping off,  I came across Dr. Oz’s B.E.A.C.H. Diet . I like it because it’s a simple reminder of what to keep in mind for not only a beach body, but a great go-to guide anytime you feel the need to cut back a little.  

B– Eat Breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It kick starts your metabolism and gives you the energy you need to start the day. It’s by far my favorite meal and will gladly get up early to fully enjoy everything breakfast has to offer and actually my favorite restaurants are those that serve breakfast ALL DAY just incase I don’t make it out of bed at “breakfast time”.  In trying to stick to a “beach body” regimen, I’ve been reaching for fruit, yogurt, whole grain cereal with skim milk or oatmeal during the week when I have work and then making a little something extra on the weekends like eggs with veggies and fruit.

E– Eliminate simple carbs and Exercise. Some people are better at one of these than the other. I can easily eliminate simple carbs from my diet, it’s easy and kind of a no-brainer. Staying away from breads, cake, muffins, white rice, cookies, or pretty much anything made with a ton of sugar or refined white flour we know is gonna plump us up. Exercise is where I fall short. It’s generally not fun for me to run and feel like im dying, so no. I don’t excercise. Heres where I really have to make the effort and I try to make it as fun as possible. I get people involved!! Plan hiking trips, jog (even if its one block at a time), play in the park with the dog, or simply go for a walk. Cardio in general is the hardest thing to do, but making it fun by going swimming and racing across the pool a few times or taking that lazy puppy out to get his heart pumping will make you feel better (even if you still don’t fit in that teeny-bikini right away). The endorphin high alone is well worth it and you’ll see results quicker than just doing Yoga once or twice a week, I know I do.

A– Add Antioxidants to your plate. Antioxidants not only protect your cells against the effects of free radicals that can be harmful to your health, they also help in reducing inflammation in the body, which indirectly helps with weight loss; especially in getting rid of that “bloated” feeling.  Some of my favorite foods high in antioxidants include: Berries, any kind of vibrant colored fruit, especially Kiwi and Pineapple; Kale, beets, spinach, dates, beans (soy and pinto), roasted peanuts, walnuts, whole grain oats and seasonings like lemon and chili peppers. Not to mention a daily dose of coffee (or tea) and the occasional glass of red wine and chocolate!! Which takes me to the next thing…

C– Indulge in dark Chocolate. Ok, this is the main reason I like this “diet” it includes chocolate! Yes, it has to be dark (look for at least 70% cocoa) but it will help offset the urge you may have in eating a whole pint of ice cream or having rum cake for dinner (don’t judge me).

H– Hydrate! We run around our busy days and forget to stop for a glass of water. Drink up! It’s easy to mistaken hunger for thirst, so when you start feeling hungry, drink a tall glass of water (or two). Staying hydrated and avoiding those sugary drinks will really help in shedding those extra inches we need to fit into that new bathing suit!

So the next time you feel the need to diet, try these simple steps instead of taking drastic measures like skipping meals or taking pills. There are some pretty scary diets out there, but just being aware of what you’re eating and adding a few fun “exercises” into your week may just be all you need to get back into shape, feeling your best and keeping your buttons from popping off!