Prepping for a Photo Shoot or Special Event

   (Left: vacation prep Right: On vacation eating added carbs and an occasional margarita or two..)

I tried to do some Internet research on different methods to prep for photo shoots and events and I couldn’t help but laugh. Most of the articles said just to make sure to hydrate, get your zzz’s, hit the gym, etc. While those are all extremely important, those are not the only factors. Trust me if that is all it took, none of us would have to strip off the last bit of water weight to make those muscles pop for photos or lose the last 5 pounds before an upcoming beach trip. Even when I go on vacation, I definitely change up my diet 3-4 prior to being in a bikini for a week and what you eat or drink on the beach can affect the way you look in those pics you upload to Instagram. Some of you have asked me what I do differently. Below are some suggestions. Remember, everyone has different ways to achieve goals and you will read a ton of opinions. It is all trial and error folks- you have to find what works for you.

Photo Shoot:

Of course in professional photos we need to make sure the muscles that we work so hard for pop, especially our abs. In order to make changes in a short amount of time, I usually carb cycle two weeks up to the photo shoot. In order to do this, I lower my carbs on the days that I am either resting or less active and increase them on my leg days or full body days. In addition, I take out all condiments including my favorite Sriracha sauce. For photo shoots I also eliminate protein shakes because they typically have higher sodium and I water deplete a little for shoots. To water deplete, I begin my week by drinking a gallon of water a day (I do this every day though) and four days before the shoot I begin to lower my water intake. I also further my water manipulation by taking a product called Expel. This helps get rid of stubborn water weight that can keep my muscles from looking tight. 

Note: You have to be careful with this because you don’t want to get dehydrated. I strongly suggest having a coach assist with this as it can be taken to unhealthy extremes. The morning of the shoot, I only sip on water to maintain the look and when it’s over I start increasing my water again.

Beach Trip:

A beach trip is totally different. I try to stay close to my optimum weight through the year and then just tweak my diet a few weeks out to tighten up. I keep my foods pretty much the same, although I may tweak my macros a bit. I keep my protein shakes because since I will be at the beach for a longer period of time than my photo shoot, I don’t manipulate water/sodium. There is really no point because the whole reason we go on vacation is to enjoy good food and drinks, right? If you deplete water or sodium, the moment you have something with sodium or even a cocktail on the beach, you will experience major bloating and you will quickly rethink taking pictures of you in a bikini! It is better to keep a moderate amount in, however I will eliminate condiments with exceptional amounts of sodium just because my body bloats with them. Additionally, I use lemon, lime, or balsamic vinegar as salad dressings. I know what you are thinking- BORING!!!! No, it doesn’t have to be. There are tons of seasonings and healthy ways to make your food taste great. I use Mrs. Dash to season just about everything. I use the lime fiesta for fajitas, shrimp tacos, taco salad, and more. I use the lemon pepper for tofu, the spicy seasoning on top of gluten free low carb pizza (yes you heard it). It is all about being creative.

Here area few tips for preparing for the beach trip:

1. Add 2-3 days of cardio, usually a combination of steady state and HIIT (types of cardio-fasted, HIIT, steady state are a huge debate in the fitness world and I won’t get into any of that but this is what I do so I wanted to share it with you)

2. I change my flexible dieting routine so that I am eating on a pretty normal, what some folks   refer to as “clean eating” during the week and cheat once a week. I am a believer now in flexible dieting but because of my food allergies, I can’t normal fun foods. I would much rather enjoy a margarita or two than have a gluten free, dairy free cupcake. Everyone is different so you just have to decide which one   is worth the cheat.

3. Drink a gallon of water each day!

4. I measure everything out and meal prep! I cannot stress how important this is even when you aren’t planning a beach trip or vacation. Once you have gone through meal prepping, you will learn to eyeball certain portions, which is an invaluable tool. So if you are a beginner- measure! I can over eat almond butter super easy by using a regular spoon at that can add 250 cals in a matter of seconds. I always carry a tablespoon with me because that is one that I still haven’t learned to eyeball.

The real trick is what you eat while on vacation. Like I said, you are there to enjoy yourself but you can still make healthy decisions that keep your bikini bod looking hot on the beach. Here is a list of what you can do while at the beach or on vacation.

1. Prep food while you are there. I get groceries and make breakfast in the room. It saves time, money, and tons of calories. 

   

2. Bring healthy snacks for the beach. I bring almonds, berries, protein shakes and/or bars.

3. Bring your own alcohol and mix. Grabbing a drink at dinner won’t break the calorie bank (ok, some sure can but you know what I mean) but if you are grabbing drinks at the Tiki Hut, the cals, sugars and carbs will add up. Try bringing something with you to avoid this. I bring True Lime and Stevia, Sinless Margarita Mix (My absolute favorite), and Stevia sweetened Lemonade. That way, I can enjoy a cocktail without worrying about piling on calories.

4.  Choose a meal that is packed with protein, complex carbs and lots of veggies (steamed or baked)

5.  Stay active. We take walks on the beach, kayak, etc. 

6.  If you indulge while on the trip, its ok, don’t beat yourself up. Just jump back on track! 

 

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