When I say bikini body, what comes to mind? Maybe a before and after shot, like the ones that clog up your newsfeed?
I see a lot of clients fall into the trap of a bikini body plan -- they spend an odd $100 on a pack that includes a "clean eating plan" and some workouts and they think that it's going to be the thing that changes their life. And don't get me wrong, sometimes they do; but based on my experience, from the millions that buy these plans it is the minority that get the results they are looking for.
They assume that if I they buy the plan then they will have a "bikini body" just in time for summer.
What I find is that they begin following these young attractive and fit social media savvy women and at the start gain motivation but after a couple of days/weeks/months of sticking to clean eating and exercise regimes they become obsessed with the idea of having a "bikini body."
No matter how much they stick to the "guidelines" they just can't see the results that clog up their newsfeeds. They can't understand why, they become frustrated and they either give up or blame themselves.
They compare.
They forget that we are all built differently.
We know that refined sugar is bad and it's best to stick to food that is as close to its natural state as possible. You don't need to buy a plan to be told that truth.
There are many FREE clean/healthy recipes and YouTube workouts and apps available at our fingertips yet we think paying $100 for a "plan" is going to tell us something different.
We are so lucky to live in a time when information is SO readily available to us through the Internet and where so many people are out there sharing their experiences about what has and hasn't worked for them... but again, we are all completely different.
But if it's not about the weight...
If you need motivation, if you're feeling tired, have headaches, have a lack of energy and are craving unhealthy foods... there is a reason for it and something in your life needs some attention.
If you're feeling "fat" or bloated or like "nothing looks good on you" then your mindset is wrong -- you're doing it for the wrong reasons.
I see hundreds of images on social media daily of young women who have bought a plan and lost weight but are they truly happier on the inside?
I think it is awesome that women want to take control of their bodies and live a healthier and cleaner life but I question the integrity of a "plan" that is advertised in my newsfeed five times a day, every day.
Make your own rules about having a "bikini body" -- if you feel good every day and are stoked with the way you look, then that to me is a bikini body!
If you feel like you need something to motivate you, a challenge, some direction and routine, something a bit exciting then I encourage you to do some if not all of the following before you buy in to a "plan" that let's be honest, most of us lose interest in after a month or two:
- Figure out WHY you're feeling the way you're feeling -- write it down and get in touch with yourself. Mindset is key.
- Do an Internet search for "clean recipes" and make yourself a meal plan for one week from the abundance of free recipes online. Make sure there are leftovers and either freeze them for another day or take them to work for lunch.
- Commit to working out at least three times a week: morning walks, boot camps, speak to a trainer at the gym and ask them how they stay motivated or Youtube "at home workouts"... schedule them in and no matter what -- do them! A work out buddy (human or four-legged) is a great motivator!
- "Follow" positive and inspiring people that are encouraging #wellness #health #motivation
- Invest in some comfy and "can't wait to wear" gym gear and if you plan on exercising in the morning either wear some of it to bed or lay it out the night before!
- There are TONS of delicious and clean treat recipes online so get cooking. Just make sure that you don't overindulge. If you like a snack after dinner I suggest brushing your teeth straight after you've eaten and have a herbal tea instead.
- Join a motivational Facebook group -- search something like "motivate me" and if need be, request to join or better yet create your own with some friends and motivate each other and share recipes.
- Don't focus on the number on the scales... it should be about how you feel! You know if you're eating well for you then you will feel well -- so just be honest with yourself. The results will speak for themselves. Ignore the scales and instead do your own measurements, take progress shots, look out for changes in how your clothes feel and if you're super keen get a trainer to measure your body weight and body fat.
Let's be honest -- if you can't be bothered doing one if not all of the above then really, how is a plan that costs you $100 going to help you?
If you'd like to know more about mindset, get in touch with me. Don't forget to share this article with anyone you think might benefit from knowing these truths.