After Christmas, do you feel a little tubbier because you ate too much turkey? Has lounging around in your running underwear for weeks taken a toll? Don’t worry, though; the winter blues can undermine even the best diet plans. It’s time to emerge from hibernation and prepare to head to the beach now that spring is on the horizon.

It’s time to put in the effort and achieve that enviable bikini body now that you’ve completed the easy part of planning your vacation. Warning: We’re going to make you work hard because looking good isn’t simple.

Veg out

Now that you’ve finished the last of your Christmas selection boxes, it’s time to change your diet completely. By consuming fewer sugars and saturated fats, you can banish those holiday sweets and replace them with five or more portions of fruit and vegetables. Although there are many other seasonal treats to tempt you, don’t worry if you’ve had it with Brussels sprouts. You can spice up your salads and desserts this spring with a variety of delicious ingredients, including rhubarb, asparagus, and raab.

In particular, grapefruit is a dieter’s dream because it not only promotes hydration but also has been linked to boosting metabolism and improving the health of your skin because of its generous serving of vitamin C.

A serving of mixed vegetables can also help you bulk up meals while consuming fewer calories as a filling alternative to carbohydrates like pasta. Additionally, they are high in fiber and antioxidants to support a healthy gut and immune system, both of which contribute to a flatter stomach. Hoorah!

Another excellent way to consume fewer calories, especially during the colder months, is to start your meal with a bowl of soup. Order a hearty vegetable broth first, then your main course, and you might find that pudding is no longer on the menu.

Every little counts

Does everything that has just been said seem a little too soon? Don’t give up; even small dietary changes can have a significant impact.

Simply choose lower fat versions of your favorite foods, such as milk and cheese. Eat plenty of protein, such as chicken, fish, or eggs, and choose healthy carbohydrates (like oatmeal and brown rice) over refined ones, like bread and biscuits, for another source of fiber and an excellent way to aid digestion. Leaner cuts of meat are a great way to help shed some of those extra winter pounds. To reduce bloat and get a flatter stomach, stay away from coffee and carbonated beverages as well.

Don’t skip meals, especially important! This isn’t a quick weight-loss solution because it can actually slow your metabolism and make you more likely to snack throughout the day.

Drink up

We most definitely don’t mean last orders here! If you want to look your best on the beach, give up your usual whisky before your vacation and replace it with water. Along with sugary snacks, avoid alcohol and processed foods because they can raise blood sugar levels and lead to unhealthy snacking.

Before and during your vacation, don’t forget to consume two liters of water per day. Many people confuse hunger with thirst, so drink some water before meals to ensure that your hunger pangs are genuine. Add a squeeze of lemon and lime or some mint and ginger for flavor if you like your drinks with a little more flavor. Another healthy way to stay hydrated and get rid of those toxins is to drink green tea and other herbal teas. They also aid in lowering water retention and unsightly bloating, which enhances your appearance on the beach.

Step it up

As we all know, combining a diet with exercise is the best way to make it work. Find an activity that works for you, whether it be swimming, running, or aerobics, and stick with it. If you enjoy working out with others, try a fun Zumba class or an aerobics class with a lot of movement to burn some calories. Ahead of your bikini debut, it will not only help you lose any excess weight but also tone those vital limbs.

Again, every little bit helps in this case, so choosing the stairs over the elevator at work or choosing to walk instead of take the bus home all add up. Abs, arms, and legs can all be defined with Pilates-based exercises.

Scrub down

Finally, after all your hard work, don’t forget to indulge in that crucial beauty routine so that your bikini body can shine to the fullest. We’re talking about exfoliating, shaving, tanning, and acting the part.

Invest in a salt or sugar scrub to ensure that you are photo-ready for your spring vacations (this is the only sugar that is good for your thighs!) and brush your body from head to toe, before lathering your lean pins in moisturiser. After a long day of sunbathing, remember to replenish your skin’s moisture by using a nourishing and calming cream. This will make your skin look younger and more supple.

Feel free to apply a layer of fake tan before hitting the beach because a sun-kissed glow can also help you to hide body issues, create curves, or give you that extra confidence for baring your bikini body. Gradual tanners are also excellent for keeping your sun-kissed appearance long after you have returned to your home country.