Planning a summer getaway and wondering how to get in shape for the beach? We’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on what to do and what to eat this summer to help you get that perfect beach-ready body.

Fill up on fibre. Consuming nutritious food is essential not only in helping you get the perfect bikini body, but also for your overall health. Eating high-fibre food such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and beans keeps you full for a longer period of time. These fibre-rich foods also suppress cravings for unhealthy snacks during the day. Apart from eating foods that are rich in fibre, it is also important to keep a tab on the portions of each meal. It’s a good idea to eat small meals six to eight times a day, which should include three full meals to sustain your energy levels.

Go for lean proteins. Along with high fibre diet, you must also consume foods that are rich in protein. Lean proteins, in particular, are essential for building lean muscle, which not only gives you a strong and sexy body, but also keeps a check on your metabolism and helps you to burn more fat. Foods that are high in lean protein include chicken, eggs, fish (such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel), turkey and lean red meats.

Don’t shy away from spices. We often associate diet food with being bland and lacking taste. But spices can actually help with weight loss. They not only make dishes flavorful, but also encourage the elimination of fat from the body. Instead of adding salt, sugar, and calorie-rich salad dressings, try adding more spices. Spices such as cinnamon, chili powder and cumin aid in digestion. In addition, herbs such as mint, parsley and basil contain vitamins and minerals that are essential to maintaining proper fitness.

Skip the alcohol. You’ll have plenty of time to sip a special cocktail once you’re at the beach, but while you’re planning on toning your body it’s a good idea to stay away from alcoholic beverages. They’re not only high in calories but also slow down the metabolism. As a result, it is very difficult to lose weight and get the perfect figure without restricting your alcohol calories.

Push your workout regimen. The more you work towards building muscles, the more fat you burn. It’s a common misconception that building muscles makes women look manly, but remember that women do not have enough testosterone to gain muscles as easily as men do. To get that beach-ready bod, you’ll need to do some weight training in addition to the regular cardio. Weight training helps your metabolism to burn fat, while cardio is also essential because it helps ensure a healthy heart. While training for a fit body, many people tend to focus more on the abs and arms; but the legs are also equally important. Good workouts for the legs include cycling, running and swimming. Although hitting the gym any time of day can work wonders on your body, for more effective results, schedule your workouts in the morning. Working out just before your first meal of the day helps you burn fat faster.

Stay hydrated. Drinking water is easy and has countless benefits, such as hydrating your skin, flushing out toxins, regulating your body functions, and more. One of the key factors to keep in mind when trying to lose weight is to drink plenty of water and green tea. Hydrating yourself also helps curb hunger; it provides muscle hydration before, during and after workouts. It also ensures a healthy digestive system and effective metabolic functioning.

                                                                                                             -Akhila