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Keeping fit and in shape during the winter, non-bikini months is important and key to the summer bikini body. Staying motivated to eat well and workout everyday is something a lot of us find hard. I know many people that rush to a quick fix a few weeks before their summer holiday, kill themselves doing cardio and starve themselves silly to try and get those results that they left a little too late in my opinion. So, how can you stay motivated all year round? I think the first stage is to understand you cannot get a Victoria's Secret angel body in a week, or even a month. Toning up and losing weight in a healthy way is a slow process, something you should never rush to do and then just let go of it in the winter. This is called Yo-yo dieting, and that is quite abusive to your body, consistency is key in the world of bikini abs. Victoria's Secret models train vigorously all year round, and obviously training steps up closer to a fashion show or shoot, as well as diet becoming stricter, BUT they do not just throw it away because they are covered by a cosy baggy jumper do they? So now we have got the first stage out of the way we can actually move onto my motivational tips! 1. BOOK! One thing I like to do to stay motivated is have something to work for. As a student, I do not have the money to book a holiday just like that, but am lucky enough to have a family that can help me out with reaching the sunshine parts of the world during July or August. Having this holiday where I know I will be in my bikini 98% of the time helps me to hit the gym throughout the year, as well as try and hit my nutritional goals. My advice here being, if you have the means to book a holiday, do it as soon as you can! This in the back of your mind keeps you going. If not, perhaps a weekend away? or even book yourself a photoshoot? or go so far as to enter yourself in a bikini comp? something I haven't done but it is still something to work for! 2.INSTAGRAM Following accounts on instagram such as Nikki Blacketter, BuffBunny, Cath Bastien, TMiller Fit.. I could go on! But following ladies that have awesome bodies, or even guys (perhaps if you get the body of your dreams, you will feel confident enough to approach a man of your dreams) keeps you motivated on a whole new level. Now these bodies are not unreachable. If they can do it, so can you! Obviously not everyone's lifestyle is entirely fitted around fitness the way their's is, but you can still make massive changes by getting the right workouts in and eating enough calories as well as the right foods for you body! 3. PROGRESS PICS Take Pictures!!! Maybe once a month, take out your phone, and take a good mirror selfie in your underwear. This is one of the best ways to track and see progress with what you're doing. Obviously, because it is a slow process, sometimes the changes don't appear to you right away. Especially when you are looking in the mirror everyday, you are so familiar with your body on a day to day basis it is almost impossible to recognise changes. But when you compare a picture a month apart the changes will become more obvious. When you start seeing results, the process of working out becomes much more rewarding, and keeps you going! This way you also know if your workout and nutrition plan is working effectively. 4. WORKOUT BUDDY Find a workout buddy. Having someone there that is going through the same thing as you is always a great way to stay motivated. I know I need that extra push most days where I don't feel great, I am tired from University, my body aches from yesterdays session and I want to eat a dozen doughnuts. But, when I am not doing this all alone, I get talked into the gym, even when i've convinced myself not to go that day. Then because I am going to the gym, why should I eat that cupcake? Won't it make my trip to the gym seem almost pointless, or i'll just have to do more to work it off... depending on how you look at it. 5. CHEAT DAYS I am not saying you should never eat a doughnut or cupcake, these things make you happy and why shouldn't you do something that makes you happy? I have cheat days scheduled into the calendar, so I can keep myself going, hitting my macros until I get to that day. Where I know I can eat all the things I felt like eating earlier in the month, or week. Now these can be weekly cheat days or less frequent than that. Personally, I like to find a few treats that fit into my macros each week and work my days around that and then have a less frequent cheat day. On this day I do not count anything I eat, I just eat what I want when I want. This break from eating well for my personal goals helps me then to stay on them the rest of the time. Thanks for reading! I hope I have sparked some motivation in you to stay fit and in good shape all year round! Victoria xx |
Menorca
In July I jetted off for my summer holiday to Menorca for 2 weeks. Perhaps the rainy weather has motivated me to write this post today, but really this island is worth a visit. If you are struggling to decide on a summer getaway location, take a look at Menorca, or even the other balearic islands. Just off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean sea, Menorca offers sunshine, beautifully clear sea views with white sandy beaches, cocktail bars on the beach, and local seafood... what more could you ask for?
I stayed in a resort called Punta Prima, a small relaxing resort but still managed some exciting and hilarious nights with everybody I went with. My first impression of Menorca was this picture above, our first stop was 'Noray' a cocktail bar placed right on the beach with spectacular views. From that first late afternoon I knew I was in for an amazing two weeks, just from the view itself.
I wore many different outfits each evening, spending all day everyday in my bikini. This one is one of my favourites. All black brings out a tan perfectly.. so I am a fan of wearing black on holiday.
Black maxi skirt w/ side split: Boohoo.
Fringe cropped black top: Misguided.
Bag: Chanel
Michael Kors watch (I do wear this everyday though.)
Another of my staple holiday outfits is my white dress... this comes on holiday with me every year, Until I grow out of it, I will continue to wear it. You cannot really see it fully in the picture below, but it is a straight cut mini dress, quite fitted and just does not need anything but a small bag to compliment it.
White Dress: Hollister.
Bag: Chanel.
Necklace: River Island.
Thanks for reading
Victoria
xx
I am a huge lover of going on a Ski trip and there are many reasons for this that I want to share with you guys. As I said this blog will be about sharing my loves in life.. and skiing is one of them. I'd say it is the one thing I constantly crave. If you have not been on a ski trip then I can honestly tell you, you are missing out! I personally do not think your life is complete. I have had the most fun I have ever had in the mountains, and I am a somewhat well travelled person. When the sun is shining down on your face but you get the cool mountain breeze there is no better feeling.
Firstly; The views.
The views from the top of the mountain and even the bottom to be honest are spectacular. The natural beauty of the mountain peaks surrounding you can sometimes be just breathe taking.
I have been skiing in two countries, Austria and America. The photo above is from Austria on my most recent ski trip - over a year ago, which depresses me a lot.
Secondly; Mountain top lunch.
If you like to keep on a budget like me after spending a fortune on the trip itself (as ski trips do not come cheap! I advise doing it with your school, university or in a large group) you can have a packed lunch. Mine consisted of Nutella Rolls everyday and I think a Chocolate bar of some kind which I usually saved for a snack on the chair lifts for an energy boost, as skiing is very tiring. But a MUST have that is one of my favourite parts of skiing is having a hot chocolate with whipped cream or as it is called in Austria 'eine heisse schockolade' I think. I bought one of these everyday at the restaurant at the top of the cafe. But most people also buy chips.
Thirdly; The skiing itself
The amount of fun it is to learn to ski is unreal, especially when you are with friends and you just laugh at each other falling over. Once you have learnt to ski and you start to tackle harder runs like blues, reds and blacks instead of the nursery slopes it becomes even more fun. The speed you are travelling at and the feel of bombing it down a run without falling over is one of the best. Last time I went skiing I managed to fall over on a flat piece of snow by the restaurant.. because my ski was not on properly, causing it to clip off and me to face plant.. It was brilliant.........
As you can see in the picture above we sometimes dress up in fancy dress, I was a leopard. Which is also a great day when you're on a ski trip with friends.
Finally; The tan?
So you are thinking you'd rather spend your time tanning on a beach somewhere or by the pool because you want to be sun kissed brown.. well in fact in the mountains your face is highly exposed to the sun due to the snow reflecting the UV rays. Slap on some suncream and ski the day away.. without allowing for goggle marks and your face will most likely be the brownest it has been in a long time. My freckles like to multiply so my face looks a lot browner after a ski trip - and if you are going in the winter during the ski season you are not likely to be getting your legs and belly out when you are home as it will be cold so your all important glow is in the place that you'll be showing off the most! perfect!
Have you been skiing or are thinking about doing so? let me know in the comments below.
Victoria
xoxo
