Your Bikini Body

It doesn't matter what you are wearing when you are around the pool, in the pool or thinking about the pool - you want something on that flatters you, and you would give anything for, that one day, your stomach to be flatter and firmer than it normally is. The trick is to watch what you eat the night before the big day, and what you eat poolside. Fruit with a high water content is always a good choice - canteloupe, oranges, berries, and watermelon, to name a few - filling you up without filling you out. Protein is good - meat and fish both contain water, making you feel fuller with less food, and protein actually helps to reduce water retention, which is pretty much the worst thing that can happen when you want to feel your best. And remember, protein fights belly fat! I'm always talking about eggs, but again, they are the perfect protein, very portable if hard-boiled, portion-controlled, and a protein/fat combination that will keep you from being hungry for hours. While vegetables are normally a great way to keep your weight down and your nutritionals up, many of them contain an enzyme that is not digested by the body; instead it feeds bacteria in your stomach, making you feel as though you just swallowed a water balloon. Salads generally contain a lot of hidden salt (dressings, cheese) so best to stick with celery - it's an exception, and a natural diuretic, so go for it! Carbohydrate snacks make you retain water, and are usually loaded with salt - keep some nuts and lowfat cheese handy, so when the chips come out, you're not tempted; if you don't have some snacks, you won't make it through the afternoon! Most important, stay away from the pina coladas - they are the HIGHEST calorie, sugar-loaded alcohol mistake you can make; stay away from fizzy beverages also, as the carbonation will kill you; water, water, and more water keeps you well hydrated and looking your best. I want to stay friends with you, so the only reason I would say light beer is your best choice for a tasty beverage is that it's low calorie and filling, and nothing tastes better on a really hot day. After all, if you've worked this hard to look good, you deserve a couple of late afternoon cool ones! (Your friend) Melissa