How to Win: Bikini vs. Bloat

Finally the time has come and your vacation is here. You've planned, saved, and even went on a diet. All this in preparation for your trip to an exotic location where you intend to spend every minute lounging in the sun with a suitcase full of nothing but swimwear. So there is nothing more disappointing than when you wake up on a beautiful day, in a tropical setting only to find that you feel like a bloated mess. What happened? What went wrong? The fact of the matter is, you have probably brought this feeling upon yourself. Think back, think back hard if necessary. What did you eat an hour ago, 5 hours ago, yesterday? What you eat can have a positive or negative effect on how your body feels. I don't know about you but when I don't feel great the last thing I want to do is squeeze into a tiny bikini. But don't worry there's still hope. With a little planning and savvy eating you can feel your best come beach time. Here are our tips of what to steer clear of to help avoid the bloat.

Not all healthy foods are your friends right now. Healthy eating is one of the keys to staying in shape. However some of our favorite good for you foods are the same ones we want to avoid come vacation time. Keep a close eye on foods that are known to cause gas. While broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers and brussel sprouts are all amazingly nutritious and help you fit into your bikini long term, short term you may want to skip them the day before or day of to avoid any discomfort while trying to relax.

Say so long to salt. While enjoying your trip try to get your salt intake from the ocean, not from your food. Sodium heavy foods can cause you to retain water which leads to that bloated feeling that can put a damper on the best of days. No need to cut out salt entirely, just be careful not to over do it.

Skip the bubbles. We aren't talking just champagne. Anything that is carbonated creates gas which can build up in the stomach and cause bloating. For a few days it's best to say goodbye to sodas and sparkling water.

These are just a few quick tips on what to avoid before and during your trip. Never let that bloated feeling keep you from killing it in your favorite bikini. Enjoy your travels!

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Editor's Pick: 3 Ways to Get Back On Track

I don't know about you but I had a great Labor Day weekend! I spent time with family and friends, relaxed out by the beach, and enjoyed some great food and drinks. Probably a little too much if I'm being completely honest. So with summer coming to a close it seems like no better time than now to take some much needed time to focus on recharging and cleansing from such an amazing weekend. Like all things, moderation is the key to success and since I strayed away from that concept this weekend I asked our editors for their top 3 favorite ways to stay healthy and get back on track.  Just a little help so that I can stay swimsuit ready all year round. 

1.) Flavored water - We aren't talking about your regular run of the mill, store bought version. We are talking about home made flavored water infused with your favorite fresh flavors. Try watermelon mint water, it's definitely one of our favorites but try out any combination of fruits and herbs you like. Your personal preferences determine on how much flavor you want. Gently muddle watermelon and mint and add in water, ice and stir. The combinations are endless and the results are delicious, refreshing and good for you. Without all of the added sugar and flavorings from pre made drinks these homemade options will keep you hydrated and guilt free as you drink up.  

2.) Walking - As the heat starts to break, you now have one less excuse to keep you from getting in your daily dose of exercise. Try as little as 30 mins a day to keep year heart healthy and not to mention your waist line. 

3.) Breakfast - They always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and they aren't lying. Starting your day off with a healthy breakfast will help provide you with fuel to get you through and keep you on track. Our personal favorite is oatmeal loaded up with all of our favorite berries. Oatmeal is a great way to stave off hunger. Is oatmeal a little bland and flavorless for you? Turn it into a tasty treat by adding fresh blueberries and strawberries and turn you morning breakfast into a meal packed full with vitamins and antioxidants. 

How do you recover after a long weekend? Send us some of your favorite ideas!

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