While today may not seem like “the perfect summer’s day” here Jozi, we’ve had enough blistering hot days to remind us that summer is here!
And with summer comes the ultimate body freakout!
My clothes from last summer are too small! They couldn’t possibly have shrunk!
Sound familiar?
Don’t worry, I feel your pain! Like really feel it, in my love handles that is!
Friends and I were discussing this over lunch on Saturday. You know the winter weight gain scenario; how winter makes you, well, fat!
Having lived in Durbs for the past ten years and back to Jozi just in time for winter, I had not only forgotten how white you get, or how dry your skin gets, but the big one, how those love handles start saying “hello”, and just in time for summer! Arhhhh!
Durban winters are mild. Some days they reach 30 degrees C. So there is no “winter weight gain” or so to speak. Now that I’m back in Jozi, it’s one of those things I wish I had remembered, because after all that winter-comfort-food-indulging, summer follows and you better be ready.
Knowing “how it goes” Africology asked me to take part in their Renew and Revive this Summer campaign and they sent over their Cellulite Detox Massage Oil and Slimming Detox Cream and asked me to share my summer ready tips with you.
I’m not a big believer in Cellulite creams. I have a fitness and nutrition background and I know that there is no magic potion or lotion that can make you skinny. Nothing is achieved without a little blood, sweat and tears – even for those with envious metabolisms.
Sad, but true!
Slimming down for summer is all about taking a holistic approach. So, by adding “lotions and potions” to the mix of eating clean and getting active, chances are you will see results faster.
Getting rid of the winter bulge may seem daunting, but I promise, after two weeks of getting into a routine, it will get much easier. Just get through those first 2 weeks and you’re on your way to success.
So here’s my getting ready for summer tips…
Forget about the scale! Seriously it’s not your friend, especially if you are trying to lose X amount of kilos. Weigh yourself no more than once a week – at roughly the same time of day.
If you weigh yourself daily, you will get despondent as your weight fluctuates from day to day and even though the scale gives you a number, that number doesn’t necessarily translate to “fat weight” being lost or gained for that matter.
Cut down on junk food and increase your fruit and veggie intake. You don’t have to give up carbs and chocolate completely, everything in moderation! But if you’re trying to slim down, then really keep it moderate.
Besides, now that the sun is shining you don’t need comfort food and summer fruit looks so much more inviting.
Get active! You don’t have to live your life at the gym. If you hate going to gym, then start walking with friends or go bicycling – it’s very trendy at the moment – and you can catch up on your social skinner while you’re getting your workout done. Two birds, one stone!
Pamper and love yourself. Treat yourself to detoxifying treatments and massages. Giving your hard working body a little love after it’s hard work, instead of pushing it without reward will make you and your body happy. Detoxifying massages at the spa, or a little home treat like this combo from Africology; Cellulite Detox Massage Oil and Slimming Detox Cream goes a long way!
I’ve been using these two products together, on my legs for the past four weeks or so and I really love them! I mean my legs, still look the same, just much firmer and smoother.
The first two weeks, I used the Cellulite Detox Massage Oil and with clenched fists and knuckles to massage the product into my legs; rubbing upwards and in zig zag motions to increase the blood flow. Then, I applied the Slimming Detox Cream and worked it in.
I could see a difference in the smoothness of my legs after the 2 week mark. I tend to carry a lot of water in my legs, so massaging these products in made a big difference.
I now use them, together, twice a week just to maintain my legs and keep the water retention from building up.
Such lovely products, that smell amazing and really make your legs feel as though they’ve been pampered and detoxed.
- Africology Cellulite Detox Body Oil – R190.40 for 100ml’s
- Africology Slimming Detox Cream – R240 for 175ml’s
How are you getting your body ready for summer?