7 SLIMDOWN RULES TO GET YOU BIKINI READY IN A WEEK

Booked a last-minute holiday? Don't fret, we've got seven easy tweaks to get you feeling lighter and firmer in no time.

How do you slim down and get bikini ready in a week?

'Going hungry isn't good for anyone. Eventually, you'll end up breaking down and overeating', says nutritionist Carrie Wiatt.

Instead, just implement these simple tweaks (and keep it up until you step off that plane) to de-bloat and get lean fast. Cut-out swimsuit, here you come!

1/ ELIMINATE PROCESSED FOODS

They're easy to get sucked into, yet unsatisfying. 'They make you crave more food than your body needs,' says Wiatt. If you can't pronounce the ingredients, the food is off-limits. Or find a greengrocer for foods with no label at all.


2/ LAY OFF THE SAUCE

Not only are alcoholic drinks dehydrating and high in calories, they also make resisting unnecessary nibbles incredibly difficult. (No shocks here: studies prove women consume more calories after drinking).

3/ GET A FIBRE FIX

It may be tempting to nix all carbs, but don't forgo fibre, a proven source of long-lasting satiety. Sprinkle flaxseed onto yoghurt or add a few teaspoons of sliced almonds to your salad. If you're really craving carbs, have a small portion of fibre-rich quinoa, barley, or brown rice.

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4/ BURN, BABY, BURN

Eating steadily throughout the day feeds the fire of your metabolism and keeps it burning calories at a steady clip. Enormous portions, on the other hand, slow it down. Aim for three small meals (300 to 350 calories each) and two snacks (100 to 150 calories each).

5/ BANISH BLOAT

Broccoli, onions, and peppers cause gassiness and bloating. Stick with water-based produce like cucumbers, spinach, and asparagus. Potassium-rich fruits like bananas and oranges also purge retained water.

6/ FLUSH IT OUT

Cells retain water when they don't have enough of it. Down two to three litres each day. Sip slowly and the water will hit your bloodstream rather than filter out through your liver, so you won't have to pee every five seconds.

7/ BEFRIEND PROTEIN

The Atkins Diet is outmoded, but a healthy, protein-rich breakfast will fill you up and head off unnecessary snacking through this final push. 'Try an egg-white scramble packed with veggies', says Wiatt, who makes hers with three whites.

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