Photographed by Bek Andersen.
First Things First
Before we get into the exercises and recipes, it’s important to start off by setting a focused goal. In this case, that goal is fitting into those skinny jeans. “Skinny jeans” can mean something different to each person, whether it’s your favorite dress or a fitted top. But, no matter what it is, write down your goal and hang it up somewhere you will see it every day, like your bathroom mirror. This way you will be motivated to stay on track all seven days — and hopefully beyond.
The Rules
The same rules apply from my first 7 Days to Skinny Jeans post. Here’s a refresher on those guidelines: Commit! Keep your eyes on the prize, and if possible, enlist a partner in crime. It's always easier when you have a buddy for support! Drink lots of water! At least 8-10 glasses a day, or click here to find out exactly how much you need. Pick one exercise to do every day (save one day for rest), pick one meal from each category for each day, and pick one snack for each day. I like to have a snack between lunch and dinner, but the timing is really up to you. Avoid soda, sugary baked goods, and processed foods all together. Think of it as a junk food cleanse. And, if possible, try to sneak in your exercise before breakfast. Otherwise, just make sure you squeeze it into your schedule. This is the most important part!
Photographed by Erin Phraner.
Breakfast Options
10-minute blended green smoothie
Non-fat Greek yogurt topped with walnuts, a handful of berries (or sliced banana) and a light drizzle of agave nectar
Overnight Oats topped with bananas
One omelet muffin with salsa
Egg white omelet with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese
One slice of toast with two hard-boiled eggs and a side of grapefruit or pineapple
Tone It Up’s protein pancakes
Photographed by Janelle Jones. Lunch & Dinner Options
Crunchy, spicy hummus wrap
Salmon tacos (substitute the tortillas for lettuce and eat as a salad)
Grilled chicken, white fish, or tofu served with a side of steamed vegetables
1 bowl of easy vegan chiliwith a piece of Ezekiel bread
Chicken salad sandwich
Mason jar kale salad and a cup of chicken vegetable soup
Easy apricot chicken with a side of quinoa (or millet) and steamed broccoli
Quinoa pizza bites and a small side salad
Baked pesto chicken with a small kale chef’s salad
Veggie stir fry
Low-carb zucchini lasagna
Photographed by Erin Phraner.Snack Options
Any of the recipes from my Busy Girl Snacks post
1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 avocado with a handful of sunflower seeds and 1 teaspoon of honey
Kale chips & guacamole
1/2 cup of bran cereal with almond milk and a few berries
Grapefruit
Photographed by Lucy Hewitt. 30 minutes of cardio (running, kickboxing, elliptical, swimming, step aerobics, etc.)
One hour of yoga, Pilates, or Barre Method
My fat-burning treadmill workout
Circuit: 100 jumping jacks, 20 crunches, 20 squats, 10 push ups, 25 bench dips (you can do this using a chair), 60 second wall sit, 60 second plank (repeat two times)
One hour hike with steady incline
The Quickie (my 1 hour workout in 30 minutes)