Unfortunately, with this temptation it makes us reluctant to throw on our bikinis and head to the beach for sand, sun and surf. This Christmas season I am on a mission to prove that there are effective ways to tame those grinchy extra calories that seem intent on sewing your summer wardrobe that bit tighter.
Here are my best tips to keep you on track, accountable and help you make better choices during the naughty season
1. 48 Hour Juice Cleanse
Great to tame sugar cravings, rid the body of toxins and make you re-think those cheeky extra canapés at the xmas party (you seriously won’t starve without it – I promise!)
With a kick of nutrients a juice cleanse can be immune boosting and hormone balancing, not to mention a one way ticket to glowing skin, eyes and weight loss. Aim to have a green, nut-milk based smoothie for breakfast, followed by 4-5 fresh squeezed organic juices throughout the day and another juice or smoothie for dinner. Try these recipes:
PP Detoxify Juice
INGREDIENTS
1 beetroot
1 knob ginger
Juice of ½ a lemon
½ cup coconut water
1 apple
PP Summer Energiser
INGREDIENTS
1 handful spinach
1 handful mint
1 handful parsley
1 cucumber
1 apple
4 celery stalks
1 knob ginger
4 ice cubes<
Remember not to go too hard with your training while doing a juice cleanse. Walking, Pilates and Yoga are great options while you detox.
2. Hiit Training
High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT is the Boxing Day sale of modern workouts. Using high intensity bursts of physical work; it revs up your metabolism for hours post-workout; in short it’s a total bargain because 30 minutes means daylong fat burn!
Have your Christmas cake and eat it too with this core toning circuit. Perform each exercise for 50 seconds and limit rest to max 10 seconds in between.
Swiss ball planks
1 Maintaining the unwavering straight angle of a plank of wood (hence the name!) lean your elbows on the ball, extending your legs straight out behind with only your toes on the flooR.
2 If you’re feeling like a challenge proceed to lift one leg with pointed toe off the floor. Alternately sides every 10 seconds
PP ball roll up
1 Grab a medium sized ball (a kids soccer or netball is perfect) and lie on the ground with bent knees
2 Inhale and imagine bringing your belly button and spine together to engage your core and slowly roll the ball up your legs to the tip of your knees
3 Hold for a few seconds before you roll back down and exhale
Supercharged Pilate’s abs
1 Keep your trusty ball on hand as you take the table top position, holding the ball so it rests on your knees
2 With pointed toes extend your legs and the ball simultaneously
3 Hold for a few moments before you exhale down into the starting position
To finish off try a digestive enhancing stretch! Stretches like childs pose and twisted chair are perfect for easing the bloat, waking up your internal organs and improving digestion!
Childs pose
1 Kneel on the floor, sitting back onto your heels with your knees apart
2 Reach your palms forward
Twisting Chair
1 With bent knees stand with your feet together
2 Imagine there is a chair behind you and begin to sink your hips toward it
3 With your palms together twist to one side, bringing opposite elbow to opposite knee
4 Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the opposite side
3. Rest and Rejuvenate
When you’re staring down the barrel of a beach-fuelled weekend after a champagne and cocktail soaked Friday night, try these hacks to de-bloat with ease
1 Substitute rice for quinoa in your meals
2 Get to bed earlier (beauty sleep is not a myth!)
3 Drink more water – at least 2 litres per day
4 A warm lemon water and apple cider vinegar to start the day
5 24-48 hour juice cleanse
The Carousel thanks Steph Prem, winter Olympian for sharing her tips for a pre summer ‘’quick fix”!
