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Shape Up For Christmas

All I want for Christmas is too look good in my new dress! Sound like a familiar story?! As Christmas approaches women up and down the country will stop at no length to loose weight and tone up in a hurry. Instead of trying faddy diets and loosing too much weight that will be back again by New Year’s Day it is much better to cut down a little and incorporate some exercise into your day. I know it’s boring but crash diets do not work – instead there are some hints and tips below that can enable you to eat and move yourself into that dress by Christmas.

Eat Your Way to a Flat Tum

Sinful Snacking
Now, I like to eat as much as the next girl (well probably a bit more to be honest!) and in order to lose pounds instead of cutting down – I like to swap! It is a proven fact that eating less and not eating at all can slow down your metabolism leading to slow weight loss and possible weight gain later on. So, instead of eating less – you have to eat differently. Below you will find a list of some of my favourite snack all less than 100 calories allowing you to munch away without the guilt.

3 cups plain popcorn
½ English muffin, with 1 tsp. Peanut butter
2 Tbs. hummus spread on 1/4 pita pocket bread
1 small banana or 1 large apple
1 cup low calorie hot chocolate (this is my favourite option in winter!)
Skinny Cow Ice Lolly
1 pack walkers French fries 

Beat the Bloat
In order to look your best in your dress it is important that you eat well in the run up to the event– follow these simple rules and your tum will be as flat as a pancake when the big day (or night!) arrives. 

• Drink lots of water and avoid fizzy drinks
• Try not to eat starchy food such as pasta, bread, potatoes and rice after 6pm
• Eat more fibre –an easy way to do this is to eat a fibre rich cereal
• Chew your food properly to help with your digestion
• Eat small regular meals
• Aim to get your 5 a day and start every day with fruit

Exercise Your Way to a Perfect Bum

 Whether you need a rounder, higher or tighter bottom it is proven that your bum can change shape in as little as 4 weeks. Start now and you’ll be ready for those sparkly festive dresses by the time the party season hits! Aim to exercise for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week and tone up at home everyday.

TRIM: A Large Bum

Exercise
The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in your bottom and makes up the cheeks targeting this muscle can help you to tone your bum and even lose inches. Running and spinning are the best cardio exercises for trimming a bottom so head to your local gym to see if you can sign up for a class or grab your trainers and head out into the cool winter air for a run.
Tone Up: Side-Step Lunge
Stand up straight, step to the right and lunge. Keep your left leg straight and sit down as if perching on a chair. Push through your heel to raise and lower your body by around 10cms. Change legs and repeat this 15 times a day from now to Christmas!

SCULPT: A Flat Bum

Exercise
The gluteus medius runs along the sides of your bottom and targeting this muscle can add curves. Rollerblading, kickboxing, running up hills or using the stair stepper can all maximise your shape and have you looking hot in lycra!
Tone Up: Knee Lift
Lie on your side and bend your knees at a 45-degree angle. Keep your heels together and lift your right knee off your left knee, then lower to the count of five. Aim to complete 20 on each side every day!

LIFT: A Droopy Bum

Exercise
The other important muscle in the bottom is the gluteus minimus which will enable you to elevate what you have and get a bum that even Kylie would be envious of. Exercises like swimming, hiking, rowing and tennis will help lift a saggy bottom.
Tone Up: Reverse Kick
Get down on all fours, then kick your right leg out straight behind you until it forms a straight line with your body. Repeat then swap sides. Complete 15 on each side daily – easy as pie this one!

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If All Else Fails - head to Marks and Spencers and buy yourself a pair of magic pants!