There is an increasing amount of pressure on women to have the perfect body. Truth is, there is no perfect body. Men and women are both attracted to very different shapes and body parts and no two people share the same view on what is beautiful. What we can all agree on is that a woman with confidence radiates her inner beauty. So if you are looking to lose weight and shape up, make sure the core reason is you.
Making a change is very easy in principle but harder in reality so we’ve compiled a 3 step guide to help you move closer to a happier, healthier you. If you are ready to get the most out of yourself, then get reading
The First Step
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There is a very good reason for the thousands of internet articles written on hydration. Our bodies cannot function correctly without it. Our minds suffer first, then our energy levels and finally, if you go without water for too long, you will end up dead! Humans can survive without food far longer than they can survive without water.
The recommended amount to keep our bodies performing and to ensure cell regeneration, is 2 ltrs per day. It can seem like a daunting task to get through so much water. It is tasteless for a start and if you drink too much too quickly you will feel bloated. We suggest filling a 2 litre fridge jug with slices of lemon and filtered water and aiming to take small glasses throughout the day. Adding coconut water to a smoothie can be fun and taste a little better too. If you work in an office or are out in your car, take a 2.5 litre mineral water with you and make stopping for water breaks part of your routine. It will take around 4 days to get used to increasing your water intake and bare in mind, your bladder will need to settle into the routine too!
Before you try taking on any other change in your life. Start with this. Drinking more water will help flush out toxins and relieve water retention, you will have glowing skin and notice your face looks tighter. Plus … it’s free.
The Second Step
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Exercise. This is the one that most of us will groan at. A body change is 80% nutrition but balancing that with exercise will give you an all over toned look and boost your energy. It will also help you sleep better.
Make sure you start out with the right kit. Online there are stores like The Iconic where you will find everything you need to be comfortable whilst training. We cannot express the importance of this enough. If you are uncomfortable whilst taking on a new exercise you will build a negative relationship with it.
Running and swimming are excellent places to start. Perhaps kick off running by simply taking a 20 minute walk every day for 3 weeks. Then, as your fitness levels increase, allow yourself to run as fast as you can for 30 seconds then walk again until you catch your breath. Repeat this and build up your running times over the months.
The Last Step
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Your body will take what it can out of everything you put into it. But if you are filling your body with processed or high sugar foods, whilst you will feel full you will be giving your body nothing to work with.
Clean Eating is simple. Fresh, home cooked foods with no refined or processed ingredients added. For example, having a home made fruit salad for breakfast. Or a poached egg on a bed of spinach. You can start by adding more clean foods to your diet such as this recipe for Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
This is a lifestyle change which will have you reaping the benefits. Removing processed foods will bring your weight down at a steady speed.
You may find that moving to a clean diet in one hit is too much for your body. Caffeine and sugar can be as addictive to your body as a drug. So take it slow when you transition.
Experts say it takes 3 weeks to make something a natural routine. So build up each change over 3 weeks before moving on to the next one. The road to a new you should be a slow and steady one. You are making changes that will last a lifetime. Good Luck!