If the thought of bathing suit shopping terrifies you, Dr. George Sanders has good news. By making some minor tweaks to your diet and exercise routine, you can enjoy a beautiful beach body — and see results sooner than you think! Before you face your fears in the fitting room, try some of these summer beach body tips.
Flush Out Water Weight
Contrary to what some believe, drinking a lot of water (six to eight glasses per day) actually flushes out excess water weight so you look thinner. Drinking water also keeps you hydrated while working out on a hot summer day. Give your water a little extra flavor by adding lemon wedges or mint leaves.
Say Goodbye to Carbs
If you’re planning a beach trip or vacation, cut out low quality, grain-based carbohydrates about a week before the event. According to nutrition experts, when your body cannot rely on carbohydrates for energy, it will burn fat, leaving you leaner. Swap pasta, rice, chips and bread for lean protein and vegetables, and watch your waistline shrink.
Keep Stress to a Minimum
Stress causes cortisol levels to spike, which in turn causes the body to store fat. Curb stress and keep cortisol levels down by getting enough sleep, plenty of vigorous exercise and proper nutrition. Meditate or do yoga to keep your mind calm.
Maximize Your Workouts
Speaking of vigorous exercise, fitness experts recommend high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts for maximum fat-burning results. An HIIT workout alternates between quick bursts of high intensity movement (e.g., sprints) and slower activity (e.g., walking or jogging).
Fight the Fear of Bikini Shopping
If you’re already eating well and exercising regularly, but your swimsuit doesn’t look quite right, you might need to rethink your style! Certain swimsuit styles will make you look slimmer instantly. For example, look for ruching or gathered fabric, which molds to your body shape. You can also use color-blocking to draw attention away from problem areas. If your upper body is slender but your lower body is problematic, wear a bright top with basic black bottoms, or vice versa.
Talk to Dr. Sanders
For some people, body fat is completely resistant to diet or exercise. At this point, cosmetic treatment intervention is a worthy consideration. Dr. Sanders offers several body contouring options, including liposuction, to reduce unwanted fat. Liposuction candidates should be in good overall health and within 30 percent of their ideal weight, with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone. Liposuction can reduce unwanted fat almost anywhere on the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks and upper arms.
To learn more about liposuction and other body contouring options, please schedule an informational consultation with Dr. Sanders at his Los Angeles plastic surgery practice. Call (818) 981-3333 today.