30 Day Bikini Body Blitz: Let’s get started!

The HerFamily.ie 30 Day Bikini Body Blitz starts on Monday, so today we're giving you the skinny on what we'll all be eating for the next four weeks. This gives you ample time to stock up on healthy foods over the weekend (and to get rid of any tempting treats hanging around your cupboards). Devised by renowned weight loss guru Gillian Hynes of Body Project - our resident fitness expert, in combination with your exercise plan these healthy foods will see you dropping pounds, losing inches and diminishing cellulite. As Gillian explains, while exercise plays a crucial role in stoking your metabolism, it is from the meal program that you will get your most significant weight loss, so stick with it!

"In essence you’ll be ditching processed foods and drinks and instead eating lots of natural, nutrient rich foods which will nourish your body, de-gunk your system and have your skin glowing all over." says Gillian. "These foods are naturally low GI meaning they keep our blood sugar levels stable and this is the key to almost effortless weight loss. You may feel a bit tired at first, and even a bit narky as you won’t be relying on your sugary snacks any longer but in just a few days you’ll unlock energy you had forgotten you ever had and feel far more in control than you have, possibly for years."

First, read The 5 Bikini Body Blitz Commandments What you WON'T be eating Bread (of any kind), pasta, rice and oats. While some of these foods can, in limited quantities, play a role in a healthy diet, while you are on your bikini body mission they are a no-no. It's also time to wave off sweet and savoury processed treats - so that's chocolate, biscuits, muffins, popcorn and crisps. While you're at it, say bon voyage to low and no calorie snacks and drinks. Gillian says: "Don’t be fooled by these frankenfoods. Despite their promises to be a healthy alternative they are anything but. They skyrocket our blood sugar and insulin levels meaning weight gain, especially around our middle." No more nightly glass of vino. Save yourself for celebratory sangria on the beach! "Clients on our weight loss program limit their intake to just three drinks one day each week and they report sleeping and feeling better within days of cutting out that nightly glass of wine." says Gillian. "Regular drinking is is fattening and on top of that, it's demotivating and leaves our faces bloated and our skin tired and dull." What you WILL be eating With the aforementioned ‘baddies’ fired into the bin, it's time to head to the supermarket and stock up on the foods that you will be eating during your program. "Examining their pre Body Project diet, our clients are often shocked to discover just how many processed foods and snacks they are actually eating." says Gillian. "During the Bikini Blitz program you’ll be eating foods as close to their natural state as possible. This means lots of protein in the form of lean meats, fish, eggs and green leafy vegetables, healthy fats in the form of nuts, avocados and oils and clean, non processed carbohydrates in the form of fruit and vegetables. These foods are what we were designed to eat." Get your 30 Day Body Blitz Shopping List here