With the summer in Seattle upon us, it seems that everyone’s schedules are filling up! There are birthday parties, vacations and weddings almost every other weekend. We want to look good for all of these important events, so what are we doing to get ready? If you were to ask me that a year ago, I would have said two weeks before – doing nothing. Then the week before – crash dieting, trying to fit in cardio every single day and doing a few extra sit ups here and there. Well I want to talk about what I am doing now.
Number 1 (which I know isn’t what someone who is panicking with an event in 2 weeks wants to hear), but I have to say it: If you stay ready, you will never have to get ready. Consistency in fitness is the key to success. If you work out on a weekly basis, you won’t have to work out twice a day for a week to be ready by Saturday. If you eat healthy on a regular basis, you don’t have to crash diet to be ready for the trip coming up. Stay consistent with your healthy eating and working out so that when an event comes your way, you can make small changes to look and feel your best!
Four Weeks Out:
Start intermittent fasting – 3 days a week
Now I have to say, before I even tried intermittent fasting – I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the word ‘fast’ because to me that implies no food. I can’t even go a few hours without food. My career has me working out almost every single day. Without food I feel weak, tired and mean (hangry). So let me tell you right away – this does not change how much you eat in a day. You should not be compromising on calories. Intermittent fasting only changes the times at which you eat in a day. When I am fasting, I only eat from 12:00pm-8:00pm. (Before 12:00pm only water and black coffee). I also want to point out – I don’t recommend intermittent fasting as a way to lose weight. At most I lost 3 pounds from doing it. The big change for me was visual. My muscles seem to pop just a little bit more. I lose all bloat, I feel strong and my muscles feel tight. It gives you that little extra pop, but won’t help you lose 20 pounds.
Drink a lot of water
I don’t think there is a health guru out there that wouldn’t recommend drinking water. Amongst many things, it helps digest your food and break down nutrients that are coming in from food. Make sure you are helping your body digest that healthy food! However much you drink normally, try to add an additional 3 glasses. Put a water bottle in your car, in your bag and on your nightstand.
Three Weeks Out:
Cut out processed carbs from your diet
Now before you freak out – I’m not referring to complex carbs (beans, potatoes, veggies) I am talking about refined carbs! These things lack fiber so they will not fill you up and you will want to eat again asap. Oh and they have close to 0 nutrients, so it is not benefiting your body in any way!
Two Weeks Out:
Kick up the intermittent fasting to 5 days a week
Stay away from sugary meals – smoothies, fruit salad, flavored drinks. I like a good smoothie just as much as the next girl. I often add a scoop or two of protein powder because I will take all the help I can get with getting enough protein each day! Although tasty, smoothies are usually packed with sugar. Even ones you make at home (fruit has tons of natural sugar). Just leave them out 2 weeks away.
One Week Out:
Cut sugar out of your diet – I’m talkin’ nada! No sweetener in your coffee, no processed foods and keep fruit to a minimum – keep it all natural. You would be surprised at how many things have sugar in them. Unless you are hyper aware of it, it’s very hard to avoid. (It’s even in sushi!) Start reading food labels and stay away from anything that has added sugar. This will take out any bloating and make your skin glow!
Day of Event:
Do not drink any water before the event and make sure you do a strength based workout in the morning. You got this!
