How to Prepare for the Beach

In my last post, I mentioned going on vacation to the beach.  I had an awesome time, but I did have some preparation   Here, I am going to give you some tips on how to get gorgeous for some fun in the sun...

1. Exercise, exercise, exercise:
          This is VERY important for looking your best for the beach.  Start about one month in advance so you can be toned and fit.  Do about 20-30 minutes of nonstop cardio (enough to get your heart rate up- that's when you burn more calories) and 10-15 minutes of regular exercises such as crunches, push-ups, etc.  Some of my favorite cardio activities are biking, swimming, and walking (not leisurely, but briskly) and for other exercises I like different types of crunches, bicep curls, and leg lifts.
          There are thousands of free workout videos available on the internet that you can gain easy access to.  I like looking at YouTube for some great workouts.  I also found this website called Gain Fitness (go to it here) that lets you customize your workout, such as setting the length, what areas of your body you want to work, and your fittness goal.  Oh, and don't forget to cool down after.  I like to do some yoga and stretch, but it's your personal preference :).

2. Eat Right:
          I know this is so cliche, but it definitely helps in the long run.  Try to eat as many raw and natural foods as possible, avoiding the more processed foods that contain copious amounts of chemicals.  DO NOT TRY TO GO ON A DIET!  Yes, there are some of them out there that promise fast weight loss, and I have tried them and succeeded.  But, once you go off them, It's hard to maintain your new habits, which often leads to gaining back all of the weight.  It is more about a change in lifestyle.
          Another important thing to remember is to not starve yourself of the things you love.  If you like ice cream, then have some, just not a large amount every day.  Limitation is key, and it will keep you satisfied without causing you to go overboard.
          About a week before you go to the beach, try to eat nothing but raw, healthy foods and drink LOTS of water.  This will act as a sort of detox and it will also cut down on bloating.

3. Get a Tan!
          Okay, now I am probably one of the palest people on the planet and DID NOT want to go to the beach and blend into the white sand.  I mean, who does?  So I went to the tanning bed to try and build up a small tan, but I just ended up burning :(.  Needless to say, I am not a huge fan of the tanning bed.  Instead, if you are incredibly pale like me, try getting a spray tan.  That way you will look more toned and less vampire-like ( but don't get me wrong- I kinda like my pale skin...just not for the beach).  Also, tanning beds are very unhealthy and can give your premature wrinkles.

4. Whiten those chompers:
          For some people, this is not an issue.  But, if you feel the need, go ahead and whiten your teeth (the easiest and cheapest way is by using at-home treatments such as crest whitening strips).  Having white teeth for the beach will help you be more confident and encourage you to show your smile :).

5. Make your skin glow:
          Make sure that you take good care of your skin so it will look great when it comes time to go to the beach.  I like using face masks and giving myself at home spa treatments.  There are many homemade recipes out there that are great for your skin, and they don't cost a fortune.  Michelle Phan on YouTube has several good DIY beauty tutorials.  She has a Bunny Carrot Scrub, Egg Mask Facial, Ice Facial, and many more.  Go check them out!

6. Shave yo legs!
          Make sure your legs are smooth and stubble free before you head to the beach, though I'm pretty sure this one was a given ;).

7. Give yourself a Mani/Pedi:
          Go ahead and paint those piggies!  Choose a summery color such as coral, light pink, robin's egg blue, or mint green.  Make sure to apply a base and top coat to preserve the polish and keep it from chipping.

8. Pluck your Eyebrows:
          I realize that thick eyebrows are becoming a trend, but there is a point at which "thick" becomes "second hairline."  If you feel comfortable with your brows, then great!  For others like me who are quick to neglect a much needed plucking, go ahead and have a professional either pluck, wax, or thread your eyebrows.  You will feel much more confident :).

Now that you have these tips to prepare for the beach, here are a few reminders of what to do when you get there:

• WEAR SUNSCREEN! (One of your top priorities)
• Don't further neglect your brows.  Bring your tweezers along.
• Brush your teeth and wash your face EVERY DAY, even when you don't feel like it.  Vacation is a time for relaxing, but not for neglecting personal hygiene.
• Try to be active.  Get in the water, play some beach volleyball, or build a sandcastle.  While relaxing on the beach with a book is fine for a while, it is good to get some (fun) exercise in.
• Don't overindulge.  I know this is hard, but realize your limits, and you'll maintain your beach bod.

And finally.....

HAVE FUN! 

(Okay, that was like the cheesiest, most cliche way to end this, but oh well :))