So it's bikini diet time again...HELP!

neha_basu

Hi! I logged on here ages ago but I've been lacking for the past few months and I've decided to lose some weight for this summer. I'm going to Costa Rica in late June and I was wondering, realistically, how much weight I could lose in time for that. I'd really like some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation really.

Background: I currently weigh 130lbs and I'm only 5 foot 3. I'd like to get back to my original weight of 112lbs by June 21st.

So that gives me approximately 13 weeks to lose about 18lbs. I'm at university a lot and I have a part time job so I don't get much as much time for going to the gym as I'd like, meaning I currently do minimal exercise. So is this goal realistic?

My Fitness Pal says I should consume 1200 calories per day - I'm now a pescetarian and I've also stopped eating bread, rice, pasta and noodles so I eat lentils, beans, quinoa and bulgur wheat to compensate.

So what do you think? If I just keep my diet the way it is can I attain my objective weight?

Thank you for reading! I know this post is like a mini-essay haha.

itsHealthy

I think vacations are a great motivation!
18 pounds in 13 weeks is normally doable. But, you have to keep in mind that you don't have a lot to lose (130 at 5.3' is already healthy).
Good luck and keep eating healthy! You will get there!

ndj1979

IMO dieting for "summer" or "vacation" is not the best way to go about things. You want to make this a part of your every day lifestyle so that you look and feel great year round. Then when summer rolls around you do not have to go into panic diet mode...

if you go to school then I am sure they have a gym you can use.

Build a program around deadlifts, squats, over head press, bench press, etc..and then do three total body workouts a week that has you hitting arms/legs/back/shoulder and mix in cardio two to three times a week with one day off of rest....

Good luck...

neha_basu

Aw thank you, it's reassuring that you think so. I know I'm not very over weight as such but I definitely have a little too much jiggle!

JoRocka

I agree- "bikini time" starts... well never- it's all year round.

But if you don't need to "loose weight" persay- I would suggest hitting your gym and start weight training- or doing some quality HIIT body weight exercises.

You'll be happier than "dieting" which is rubbish IMHO.

neha_basu

Thanks for your input I know what you mean, I do aim to maintain this diet (although it's less promising around Christmas time haha). I am hoping to get fit in general, but a holiday just seemed to add more of a visual motivation.

melaniecheeks

Strength training is the way to go!

neha_basu

Thank you. I really ought to exercise more, the weight will go away faster. I'll keep that in mind

newcs

I'd focus less on the scale and more on body composition. I've gotten more compliments from weight training but maintaining a steady body weight than I did from losing weight previous to working out. Get a good strength program going and you should definitely see some positive changes in 13 weeks!

Jonesie1984

I would definitely do more strength training. I personally wouldn't eat 1200 cals/daily I would eat more than that.. (at least at the level of your BMR) but it sounds like you want to be more bikini ready that a certain weight.. dropping your cals will help you lose pounds but you may not end up with the physique that you like that's why I would recommend the strength training.. you gotta shed the fat to get that "toned" look.

the compound lifts that the previous posted recommended are great choices

neha_basu

So at the end of the day, the only way I could reach this goal is to get my bottom into gear and head for the gym for strength training?

Jonesie1984

So at the end of the day, the only way I could reach this goal is to get my bottom into gear and head for the gym for strength training?

well it will give you the best results.. feel free to look at my photos but most of us women care about INCHES lost over pounds to get the desired aesthetic for bikinis.. to each their own but I've lost only 9 pounds but over 12 inches and I appear much leaner to most people than the scale would broadcast.

melaniecheeks

You're at a healthy weight for your height. Dieting is going to have diminishing effect on what's left. Muscle building or strength training will improve how your body looks, and if it's a bikini you're after, then get to the gym!

newcs

So at the end of the day, the only way I could reach this goal is to get my bottom into gear and head for the gym for strength training?

That's what I'd suggest...I think for your goal, it's the best way to get there. I'd definitely still make sure your diet is in check so you don't keep your new muscles covered by fat but adding in a good strength routine will do a lot more for you in terms of body shape and appearance than diet alone.

neha_basu

Ah, thanks guys! I'll take all of this on board. I just want pay day to hurry up so I can restart my gym membership now! I know this must sound quite irritating and pathetic, but I've always been a little wary of the muscle and strength training areas of the gym, it's usually big burly men and I always thought they'd laugh if they saw me attempting anything other than the cardio machines.

Jonesie1984 gosh your body's lovely!

JoRocka

you can start at home with body weight only excericses.

10 burpees
15 alternating lunges
20 push ups
30 mountain climbers
40 deep squats

bam- do that 4 times through and tell me you aren't working!

neha_basu

ah that's so helpful! Thank you

CariS001

Great home workout posted for ya! I would say that 1200 would probably damage your metabolism. Check out the calculators out there for TDEE and try for TDEE-15% or maybe 20%. But, really work on the heavier weights to define the muscles if you are looking for toning pre-beach. Although I'm always following a healthy eating/workout regime, I certainly tend to pick it up pre-vacation and work a little harder.

Keep the motivation high, come here for support, stick to it!! Good luck!