Bikini season is upon us
Bikini Season is upon us by Lauren Hirschfeld, MS, RD, LD
Bikini season is upon us! Finally we can put away our heavy scarves and fluffy boots and break out our favorite itty bitty bikini that we love and thought of fondly during the gray and cold winter months. Ideally it looks as good as it did on you last August, but chances are you are not as tan and trim now as you were at the end of Summer last year. I promise, you are not alone. If you are like many people and are not loving what the winter months have done to your bikini-bod, do not fret! Small changes can lead to great results on your waistline (and your overall health)!
As a dietitian, I notice things regarding nutrition everywhere I go. After spending my weekend on the beach (sorry if your town was not blessed with the weather Charleston is!), I was surprised to see what people choose to snack on while lounging in the sand. Chips, cookies, ice cream cones….things that I am pretty sure Giselle Bunchen and Heidi Klum are not noshing on. It is hard for me to understand why people would not choose to bring delicious fresh watermelon, cool fruit pops, or even ice cold water to enjoy while enjoying the outdoors. There are so many natural options that are lower in fat, salt, and preservatives that are satisfying, refreshing, and most importantly will not add to your waistline. In addition, salty snacks may make you retain water, which will lead to bloating (which is not very eye appealing!).
Instead of mindlessly snacking and eating while having fun on the sand, consider choosing healthier options and pre-planning before you go. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, or Pineapple chunks. Toss the fruit in a plastic container and you have a refreshing snack with very few calories. Added bonus? They help you stay hydrated! Try freezing some of the fruit before for an icy snack to much on while in the hot sun. (If you like that, try frozen grapes too!)
- Cheese sticks or pre-portioned snack packs. If you know you will want something chocolaty, salty, or cheesy, make sure you have enough to keep you satisfied without breaking your calorie budget.
- Pretzels or baked tortilla chips and salsa-you will save on calories and fat compared with regular chips, but still watch out for the salt!
- Sandwiches-pack sandwiches so you don’t get tempted by the hot dog vendor. Make sure you choose lean meats and pack your tomatoes in a separate container to avoid a soggy sandwich. Try using frozen bread. By the time you hit the beach, your sandwich will be cool! Added bonus? You will save on money by bringing your own lunch instead of paying for overpriced low-quality meals on location.
- Freeze some plastic water bottles to use to keep your food cold. This way, you can get an ice cold drink!
Try to enjoy time with your family and friends, and try to focus on the natural beauty of the beach and ocean. The snacks and meals should be secondary to the enjoyment of everything else. It may seem like a sacrifice now, but you will be glad you refrained from those cheese puffs when you see how well that itty-bitty bikini will fit you!
A little bit about Lauren. Lauren Hirschfeld has her masters degree in nutrition, is a registered dietitian and LD. She works at Roper Saint Francis as a clinical dietitian. Lauren is also a certified personal trainer. If you have any questions about snacking, please feel free to post comments.
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