I’m always working on my health to make sure I’m feeling my best, but I always put in a little extra work around vacation time, so I can really feel my most confident. I wanted to share some of the things I do the weeks leading up to a trip, especially a beach vacation, as well as some tips that CHANGED my core strength and appearance. I hope you find these tips helpful, and as always, message me on Instagram with any questions you may have :)
FOOD/NUTRITION
If you saw my previous post, I talked about focusing on immunity, which is of top priority if you are hopping on a plane. In addition nutrition is my second top priority when I want to look and feel my best. It’s the kitchen where the real results happen :) The #1 thing that changed my core is eliminating processed “health” foods. For example, paleo baking + treats or paleo chips + crackers. While these are great alternatives if you are looking for a treat, they are still processed and not whole foods. I really focus in on whole foods for best results.
Breakfast: Ezekiel bread with almond butter + matcha w/ oat milk
AM Snack/Post-workout: Big smoothie- water, banana, mixed berries, vanilla plant protein powder
Lunch: 2 hard boiled eggs, half an avocado, cherries
PM Snack: handful of pistachios + apple (sometimes rice cake with almond butter if I’m really hungry)
Dinner: fish + veggies + sweet potato, brown rice pasta + veggies, brown rice + chicken + veggies
Dessert: 2 squares of Hu mint chocolate, 2 dates w/ almond butter, peppermint tea (I love dessert and never skip it :) )
WORKOUTS
Walking has truly been transformative for me especially when it comes to cellulite. I have always had to work really hard at combating it, but many women do. It’s only because our skin is thinner. If I keep up my walking routine, it really helps keep it at bay. It’s also so great for my mental health and getting clarity before I start my day. I love yoga + pilates for lengthening, strengthening, and toning all over. The best thing both of these workouts have taught me is to keep your engaged all the time. It TRANSFORMED my core. In fact, doing exercises that isolate specific muscle groups are less effective for core strength. It’s when we do total body exercises, but focus on engaging our core that we will see the best results. Even walking, sitting in the car or at your desk, engage your core muscles (this will help your posture too :) )
3 days a week: reformer pilates
2 days a week: hot yoga
Everyday walk: 30 mins - 1hr
1x a week: sauna
OTHER
Outfit planning: I always look to old magazines, Pinterest, or my saved Instagram posts to find inspiration when planning vacation outfits. I love looking at vintage photos especially for summer style inspo.
Skincare: I follow my skincare regimen featured in this post to a tee, especially using this mask!