Many people think of winter as a time to stay cozy indoors. But according to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Harrington, the snowy season is also the best time to start working toward your summer body.
Dr. Harrington, the founder of Twin Cities-based Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery, notes that in the winter, there’s no time pressure. Many people wait until late spring to start working on their beach bodies. At that point, they may turn toward quick fixes rather than adopt healthy, lasting lifestyle changes.
Fat loss is certainly part of getting a beach body, but it’s not all of it. Dr. Harrington suggests a three-pronged approach: a healthy diet (including ample hydration), exercise (including strength training and cardio), and plenty of sleep.
Dietary needs vary by individual, but in general, a diet high in protein and rich in whole foods is helpful. A balanced diet can support fat loss, sustain your muscles, and keep your hair and skin looking healthy. It also ensures you’ll have ample energy to stay active.
If you want a slim and toned physique, a regular exercise program can work wonders. Strength training builds muscle, and muscle raises your basal metabolic rate. That means you burn more calories at rest.
For anyone looking to supercharge fat loss while improving overall fitness, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an excellent choice. HIIT involves alternating bursts of maximum-effort exercises with brief recovery periods. For example, you might sprint on a treadmill for three minutes, walk for two minutes, and repeat the cycle three times.
It takes time to build a habit, and starting in winter makes it far more likely you’ll see results when summer rolls around. “If you’re sticking with a regular gym routine, you are much more likely to make healthier choices all around,” says Dr. Harrington. “As these healthy lifestyle choices become habits, you’ll find it easier to do what’s best for your body.”
Before bikini season, many people add the finishing touches to their figures with aesthetic procedures. Some go with traditional liposuction, but Dr. Harrington also offers less invasive options.
“CoolSculpting can be a great alternative to liposuction for people who don’t want to commit to a more invasive body sculpting surgery,” Dr. Harrington explains. “It creates a leaner, more-toned look of their body, including smoother thighs, a flatter stomach, and disappearing love handles.”
Cosmetic procedures like CoolSculpting make a difference when it comes to building a strong, healthy physique. However, Dr. Harrington stresses the importance of not relying on these procedures alone.
“There are no shortcuts when it comes to looking your best,” she explains. “CoolSculpting itself does offer a much more convenient alternative to traditional plastic surgery, but the best results are seen in men and women who are at or near their ideal weight already, and who are committed to keeping up with their existing healthy routines in order to maintain their results long-term.”
For anyone who aims to have their best beach body yet this summer, sticking to a plan is important. So is adopting a healthy mindset. When you focus on creating a healthy lifestyle instead of crash-dieting to slim down, you’ll build sustainable habits that will have you looking and feeling great for years to come.
