Bikini season is coming – how to find your confidence at the beach

This time of year often brings with it an extra helping of motivation to peel yourself off the couch and get your butt to the gym, stat.

As the days get longer and lighter, our excitement for summer builds. Until, of course, you try on your bikini for the first time in months and instantly regret that extra helping of Sticky Date Pudding/Chocolate Chip Cookies/Strawberry Icecream, or all of the above.

This year, my mission is different. I’m getting married in six (short) months, and my determination to shed my winter layers is greater than ever. Looking amazing in a bikini is just an added bonus!

But to anyone who’s ever dieted before, losing weight is HARD. Temptation is everywhere. It’s hard to know where to start. Before you start hitting the treadmill for three hours every day, remember this: calories in, calories out is always the best rule for losing fat.

Make these calories count, though, by always choosing the most nutritious option, gives you energy to train, and makes you feel good from the inside out.

Armed with the complete range of weight loss products available at Horleys, I hauled myself to the gym this morning for a blast of HIIT training, courtesy of James Miller from Major Fit Performance.

Just in case I felt the need to hit snooze this morning, I grabbed a gal pal to join in on our training session to hold me accountable (and it worked!).

Before we started, I reached for a bottle of Horleys Havoc. The pre-workout formula is unlike any I’d tried before – plus the Fruit Punch flavour tasted really yummy! I struggle getting my energy levels up first thing in the morning, so this was the perfect way to get amped about my workout.

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Check out today’s HIIT workout, below!

Friday HIIT Partner Workout:

Circuit One: (Repeat x 3)

• 50 Squats
• 50 Push Ups
• 50 Mountain Climbers

Circuit Two: (Repeat x 3)

• 10 alternating box jumps with your partner

Cardio Blast: (Repeat x 8)

• 20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest Rowing Machine
• 20 seconds on should be at full exertion / max effort

Circuit Three: (Repeat x 3)

• 20 Russian Twists 
• 20 Weighted Sit Ups
• 20 Medicine Ball Throws

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In need of motivation? Follow my workout playlist here! 

Following my workout, I could have eaten a horse. Instead, I grabbed Horley’s Salted Caramel Sculpt Protein Powder (yes – it does taste like Salted Caramel) to include in this morning’s brekkie.

I have a crazy sweet tooth, and this satisfied my sugar cravings perfectly. Super smooth and easy to mix in with my porridge, Sculpt added a massive protein hit (18g to be exact) to the first meal of my day.

When it comes to losing weight, protein is key. It not only reduces your hunger hormone, but boosts your satiety hormone! Yes please!

The perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and good fats, this recipe will keep you feeling fuller for longer (no reaching for a mid-morning muesli bar!).

Ash’s Power Porridge (Serves 1)

• 30g Uncle Toby’s Milk Oaties
• 12g Chia Seeds
• 1 scoop Horleys Salted Caramel Sculpt Protein Powder
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 100g lite peaches in juice

In a bowl, mix oats, Chia seeds and cinnamon. Pour over boiling water, stirring continuously until you reach desired consistency. Mix in Horleys Salted Caramel Sculpt Protein Powder thoroughly. Top with peaches. Enjoy!

Check back next week for more summer body inspiration, or head here for more.