Laura's Summer Confidence Challenge

This summer will be my first summer since I've lost weight. In the past I used to hate the summer, I wished that I could wear little tops and shorts like other women and not feel hot and sweaty and uncomfortable in my own skin.

Cyprus 2004 - size 16 around 13st, and not feeling my best :-(

I want this summer to be my best yet! I have a couple of holidays coming up - I'm off to Majorca with my family in three weeks and I'm planning a trip down to Brighton to stay with my Aunt and Uncle at some point too. I also have a couple of weddings and engagement parties to attend as well.

This summer I want to feel confident, healthy and happy. I'm going to set myself a little three week challenge to make sure that I'm in the best possible shape for my holiday and the rest of the summer.

This is not particually about losing any weight, although I wouldn't mind dropping a few pounds so give myself a 'cushion' for any holiday weight gain. I see this challenge as more about feeling and looking my best!

Here's what I plan to do -

Diet

I do most of these things anyway, but I just want to remind myself of some key things I need to do and a few things I need to avoid!

• Drink loads of water - to hydrate and give glowing skin
• Start the day with a warm water and lemon - to detox and support the liver
• No regular tea or coffee - caffeine can dehydrate and contribute to cellulite
• No Alcohol - its only for three weeks and I'm not a big drinker anyway!
• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg - helps to base meals on fruit and veggies, provides antioxidants, fibre, fills you up and gives you loads of vitamins!
• Eat only 'good' carbs to fuel workouts - quinoa, sweet potatoes, wholemeal  / brown rice noodles and spelt pasta
• Eat healthy fats, but not too much - nuts, seeds and nut butters and oils, but no more than two portions a day. Essential for healthy hair, skin and nails.
• Plenty of lean protein - whey powder, greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, tofu, quorn, chicken, turkey, fish, helps skin and muscles repair, keeps you fuller for longer.
• Beware of sugars - reduce sugar consumption as much as possible, including intake of sugary fruits. Too much sugar can disrupt blood sugar balance and lead to cravings and wanting to eat more.
• No (unplanned) snacking! - try to keep to planned meals and snacks when possible to avoid excess calories. I may replace some of my snacks with a protein shake to help keep me full and control sugar cravings, but I will only do this for a couple of weeks.  

Exercise

Continue with training plan for June which consists of 3 cardio workouts - running and high intensity interval training (HIITs), abs and core exercises, plus two DVD's that incorporate strength training and one cardio and strength mix workout focusing on upper body. I'm focusing on my upper body for two reasons, firstly to save my legs for running and secondly - I think I could actually make some difference on my arms, shoulders, abs and back in time for my hols. Nice defined muscles will definitely give me a confidence boost!

Beauty

This is where I feel I need to make some improvements in my usual routine. Although I love my pamper sessions I haven't had one in weeks and my skin, hair and nails could really do with some TLC! I have loads of great ideas from all the tips you guys left as part of my giveaway post earlier this month which I will be putting to good use! I have a few particular things that I will be trying to improve with this routine - I have rough bumpy skin on my upper arms, I have some old stretch marks and sagging skin due to weight loss and I have dry, damaged hair that needs some care. My complexition isn't too bad (its probably the best its ever been) but during my TOTM its gets oily and I get breakouts.

• Deep condition hair - twice a week
• Use specialist creams on arms and problem skin areas (I have bio oil and Eurerin cream) - once a day
• Use gradual fake tan product - every other day (or until I'm happy with the colour thats developed then I'll reduce this down)
• Use a skin firming moisturiser - every other day
• Exfoliate skin on body and face - twice a week
• Home facial (mask - clay based during TOTM, facial massage and antioxidant cream) - once a week

In week before holiday -

• Home colour hair
• Get hair cut
• home manicure and pedicure

So thats my plan for getting summer confident! I'll post pics when I get my hair done too! What do you think? What do you do to feel confident in the summer?