Love Handles be Gone

Count Down to a Polka Dot Bikini Here I am again planning my annual single girls winter vacation with 3 of my BFFs. This year we are going to a hot Caribbean island and I want to shed some weight so I can fit into my little polka dot bikini. How am I going to do this? You ask. It is called a healthy lifestyle for the next 30-60 days.

Here are the dos and don'ts of getting into shape for the vacation of your life.

Do...

EAT and SNACK Eat at least 4 times a day (small meals) introduce more lean proteins into your daily menu such as fish, chicken, beans and lamb. Grub on veggies, veggies and more veggies. If you want something sweet go w/ fresh fruit.

Exercise about 3 times a week for 30 minutes at the very minimum

Take vitamin supplements

Water is your friend

Stick to Multi-grain breads

Sleep

Don't...

Starve yourself Eat French fries or ice cream, and keep the alcohol intake to a minimum so you can party like a rock star on vacation

Consume Caffeine (transition to decaf if you must)

Inhale white foods (white sugar, white flour)

Be a Couch potato - go out for a walk

Now that we have the basics in place, I've included 3 of my fav recipes from Thefoodnetwork.com for you to include in your menu planning. Search by recipe name and you will find the entire dish and how to prepare it.

1. Low Fat Ranch Dressing over Chopped Salad

2. Marinated and Grilled Chicken Salad with Tropical Fruits, Marcona Almonds, Baby Lettuces and Lemon-Ginger Vinaigrette

3. Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil, and Salmon

I've also included some workout tips that are easy and you will see results immediately. 1. If you are a cardio junkie mix it up a bit. Run or walk your butt off. If you are in the gym use the elliptical trainer. Distance is more beneficial than speed. 2. Lift lightweights daily. Great to do when you are watching T.V. 3-5 reps of different upper body motions. Important areas to attack are triceps, biceps and chest. 3. Say ohm instead of cheers. Yoga is the way to go. I was totally against yoga and I thought it was all a hoax. I finally tried it and I fell in love. Try Pureyoga.com or any local spot in your area. So here is your winter recipe to weight loss for your vacation: Cook time 30-90 Days Ingredients: Healthy menu, sleep and exercise Directions: Get organized, and get into a routine/schedule Results: Polka Dot Bikini