Easy Ready for Summer Weight Loss Plan

Since I'm going on holiday this summer to a hot country (for the first time in ages) I have decided to start a weight loss plan in order to feel confident enough with my body to wear a bikini on the beach. I've done a lot of research and spoken to a pro dietitian, and decided that starting a low maintenance plan in March would be far easier than starting an intense one nearer the date. We've come up with a simple diet plan including exercise, which shouldn't be too difficult. If you would like to give it a try, here is a basic plan for the month of march. I will post April's plan before March comes to an end - it will be a little stricter, but not much :)


Rules:

1) Low Sugar, minimal sweets.
Other than a spoonful of sugar in my morning coffee, for the majority of March I am completely giving up crisps, chocolate, and sweets. The only dates I will have sweet snacks are the 10th, 20th, and 30th. These must be low fat, and low in calories. Savory food must also be low in sugar and saturated fats. Fizzy drinks are a definite no.

2) Cut down on Dairy
I am going to attempt to cut out dairy altogether, having sunflower spread instead of butter, and almond milk instead of cows milk. Cheese is a no-go for this month, I have been told a little bit can't hurt though.

3) Minimal Meat - I don't eat meat, but I am replacing my veggie meat with tuna or salmon - which are both great sources of protein and present in many kinds of diet. My dietitian says that switching red meat for lean chicken can be a huge aid in weight loss.

4) Drink lots of water and Eat Food which consists of water.
8 pints of water per day is my goal, but I am going to attempt 10. Food which is high in water quantity, such as tomato's, cucumber, celery are going to be a prominent part of the entire diet.

5) Exercise. I am going to start off easy, 10 minutes of exercise each morning - squats, lunges, jumping jacks, jogging, sit ups, planking, press ups, etc. And 10 at night, and attempt a 30 minute brisk walk every day. I will try and add extra sessions in if possible, but would like to keep this month fairly easy as I am not used to a lot of exercise.



EXAMPLE MEAL PLANS:

Breakfast
Scrambled Egg on thin wheat bread
Porridge with Almond Milk
Cooked Tomatoes on wheat bread
Beans on Toast

Basic Idea- keep it less than 200 cal and low in Saturated fats and Sugar.


Lunch
Tuna, Prawn, or crushed boiled potato Salad
Healthy Sandwich on Thin Wheat Bread
Various Soups
None Dairy Vegetable Omelette
Steamed Vegetables
Medium sized Jacket Potato with healthy fillings

Check all ingredients for nutrition information.


Dinner
Low Cal curries with Cauliflower rice
Stuffed Peppers/Mushrooms
Vegetable Stew
Vegetable Stir Fry
Cooked Salmon


Snacks
Fruit - apparently tomatoes are good to snack on?
Fruit and nut bars - Low Calorie
Dark Chocolate - in moderation
Nuts and Berries



As mentioned, I am attempting this diet for the month of March. Please feel free to give it a try too I would love to hear how you are getting on and if it is working for you!