All too often the thought of the beach holiday and revealing more flesh than you are comfortable with makes most people feel a little weak at the knees. Health and fitness coach, Anna Mason, gives you ten steps to help you prepare for your holiday, lose a couple of pounds, tone up and feel full of energy and self confidence – and you may even want to continue with the good work when you return! 
- Beach body and bikini fit Improve your muscle tone, get moving and take some exercise. Make the most of our extra daylight and sunshine by walking three times a week - you will tone your muscles and burn body fat, clear your head and feel good being out-of-doors, increase your circulation and reduce puffiness in your ankles … all essential to looking and feeling good when lying on your poolside lounger.
- Beauty boosting foods For beautiful skin swap your refined foods for vitamin B rich grains such as brown rice, wholemeal pasta and wholegrain bread. Eat plenty of seasonal red fruit and lots of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables – our Hayles Fruit Farm strawberries are at their very best right now! Snacks of nuts and seeds contain zinc, selenium and fibre. Eat oily fish three times a week for your essential fatty acids, plenty of green leafy vegetables, eggs and lean meat for protein and other essential vitamins and minerals.
- Keep well hydrated Drinking plenty of water isn't a new tip any longer but it is vital for anyone who wants brighter, radiant skin.
- Plan your meals Planning healthy meals ahead makes it so much easier to create energy boosting, weight friendly meals. Take a look in your store cupboards and fridge, write your shopping list, buy your foods and make sure you are well stocked with healthy, fresh and seasonal foods. Check out this month’s Seasonal Flavours for healthy, seasonal salad ideas and money-off vouchers.
- Eat less fat Fat slows digestion, giving food more time to ferment and cause bloating; ask for meat and fish to be grilled rather than fried.
- Eat olives for pre dinner nibbles, olives are a good source of healthy fat and light on calories. We have a wide range of fresh olives from olives et al on our deli counter – come and have a taste before you buy.
- Sauces and dressings can add unwanted and often unconsidered calories. Add a small amount to your meals but make it worthwhile by buying delicious flavoured oils and herby dressings. Don’t forget to use your money-off voucher for this month’s Star Supplier, Essential Dressings – delicious, tasty dressings with a home-made flavour.
- Eat fruit or sorbets rather than ice cream or cakes for dessert - much kinder to the waistline. Try our range of fruity sorbets by local supplier Just Rachel – flavours include Raspberry, Mango and the rather delicious Herefordshire Cider!
- Manage and enjoy your alcohol When you’re lounging poolside or in the garden keep hydrated in the sun and enjoy white wine spritzers made with sparkling water and alternate your alcoholic drink with still water. Save on both the calories and the hangover.
- Sun care Protect your skin from premature ageing and painful sunburn with an appropriate sun protection factor. Remember to use a factor on your face and backs of hands from April through to October, come rain or shine. We stock an extensive range of sun care products including the handy Nivea Spray Suncare range and Cooling Aftersun.
Anna Mason is a health and fitness coach with a practical and straight forward approach to helping people reach their desired weight and stay there. She is the founder of Distance Dieters - the easy confidential way for busy people to lose weight online, by telephone and email.
If you would like help with your weight loss contact Anna at www.distancedieters.co.uk, 0845 533 53 02
or by e-mailing anna@distancedieters.co.uk
