Summer is perfect for working on your body and wardrobe and for creating a new look for fall. Read this article to know how!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Shape Your Body
Step 1. Start keeping a photo journal
Whatever your goal (lose or gain weight, tone muscles, tan), achieving noteworthy results takes time. It can be depressing to work hard to change and always feel at square one, which is why taking pictures of yourself at the start and on the way will make you notice the results as you progress. Go for a front and profile portrait in early summer. Then, once or twice a week, take the same shot. When you feel down, look at the pictures to understand that you are making a lot of progress, even if you always see yourself the same.
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Wear a few comfortable clothes, such as leggings or running shorts and a top, so you will keep track of changes more easily.
Step 2. Learn to distinguish between calories and nutrients
Calories are the body's primary source of energy, while nutrients (such as vitamins) help regulate various specific systems and keep the body's natural chemicals in balance. You will need all of this to stay healthy.
- If you consume more calories than you put in, you will lose weight; if you take more than you burn, you will gain weight. Fats are stored by the body for future and long-term use. When you use more calories than you ingest, your body will burn fat.
- Nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, should be taken consistently for the body to function effectively, otherwise your weight loss will not be healthy.
Step 3. Start exercising to burn lots of calories in a useful way
The key is to combine intense exercise with a balanced diet.
- Some sports burn more calories than others. Swimming and martial arts like karate top the list. However, even minimal exercise, such as walking, is better than nothing.
- Jog or ride a bike to adapt your body to constant but light exercise. Recover the day after your workout, although doing some physical activity throughout the week doesn't hurt.
Step 4. Mix different types of exercises
There are two types: aerobic, such as running, swimming and cycling, and endurance, such as weight lifting. Running a little every day is useful, but don't neglect working with tools to take care of your general well-being.
- Many girls believe that the weight room is exclusively for men, but in reality, this is not the case at all. The stronger your muscles become, the more effectively you will burn calories and tone up. Muscles will only swell if you follow a special diet and a very specific workout. Working normally with tools defines your muscles, it won't turn you into a Hulk in a skirt!
- If you want to put on a few pounds, you don't have to stop exercising. Prepare larger portions of food if you've started exercising.
Step 5. Eat proper nutrition and don't overdo it
Limit calorie intake and introduce the necessary nutrients to live in a balanced way.
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Vegetables are packed with nutrients and, in many cases, virtually calorie-free. Eat lots of them every day to recharge your batteries and keep your mood stable.
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Also eat fruit, whole grains, and lean meats, which are also full of nutrients. However, don't overdo it with fruit, which usually contains a lot of sugars; avoid their empty calories, which will get you to your daily limit without feeling full.
Step 6. Write a plan that includes diet and exercise as well as other activities to cross the finish line
For example, if you want to get a tan, make some lamps or sunbathe regularly in the garden. If you want whiter teeth, talk to your dentist and stick to his or her routine (which often involves regular treatments).
A vital part of establishing a schedule is getting enough sleep, at least eight hours a night. If you don't rest, you can get sick
Step 7. Plan your appointments in advance
A new haircut, manicure, or other physical change sported this fall will make everyone realize that you are different. Save money and be well informed before undergoing a treatment. Try to do this as soon as possible, so you have time to remedy any disasters.
Among the most common changes, the use of colored contact lenses, tattoos and piercings. If you want to get a tattoo, make sure you choose the right one. Not yet 18 years old? You will need your parents' permission
Step 8. Follow the program:
you don't change overnight, so work hard to increase your chances of transforming successfully with a rigorous plan.
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If you consume fewer calories and do more sports, you will lose a lot of weight; however, do not lose more than 1 kg per week: losing too much weight suddenly will negatively affect your health and make you look emaciated.
By the end of the summer, you shouldn't have lost more than 20 kg (you will probably lose ten pounds anyway)
- The more exercise you do, the more you will want to do. This is great, but make sure you don't ask too much of the body. If you get hurt, you won't be able to train for a while. The workout should make you pleasantly tense your muscles the next day, not make you feel exhausted.
Method 2 of 2: A New You
Step 1. Let your hair grow a few centimeters:
you can create new styles and try new shampoos, conditioners and treatments. Do your research until you find the right ones for you.
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At the end of the summer, about a week before your debut, go to your hairdresser and ask him to trim your hair, touch up the highlights or dye it.
Step 2. Buy some new clothes
Maybe, ask a friend to accompany you. Try several and choose the ones that suit your look, mixing the pieces from specialized stores and those sold in large clothing chains. Try garments light years away from your style as well, just to see how they fit. Look at each other's outfits and cut out the ones you like from magazines. Collect images and create a portfolio to inspire you.
- If you find something you absolutely must have, don't hesitate! Next time you may not find it. Compulsive shopping should only be reserved for special cases: if you are tempted by everything, then you should learn to control yourself.
- Don't snub second-hand shops. Sure you will see a lot of ugly clothes, but you will also find some unique and perfect items to customize your outfits, especially if your look is vintage.
Step 3. Focus on one style
Using your portfolio and images taken from the internet, group your ideas to create your look. Think about clothes first, then about accessories. If a garment wouldn't fit on its own and needs a specific accessory, don't buy it.
Dedicate a diary to your outfit ideas and your wish list. Write the price and the selling point of the pieces you want to get a general idea. Erase or rearrange the various parts as you work. If a dress works well in multiple looks, you can't miss it
Step 4. Start by purchasing some basic pieces, which you will need to create very different outfits
Plus, having neutral clothes will save you the stress of “I don't know what to wear”. Again start with clothes and shoes, and then think about accessories.
- If you are losing weight, try to buy clothes that you can put on once you reach your ideal weight.
- Two or three pairs of shoes will be enough to complete most of your combinations. Be creative and reuse shoes in different looks.
- Keep all receipts: if you regret a purchase, you can almost always return it.
Step 5. Add accessories:
jewelry, belts, bags… Buy both cheap and branded ones; search around, even on the internet, and don't miss the sales.
- If you have some extra cash, invest in a good perfume. Reading the reviews online is useful, but you should go to a perfumery and try two, not more, fragrances at a time.
- Remember that jewelry doesn't have to be precious. If you have them, use them, otherwise you will find plenty of nice options in low-cost stores.
Step 6. Do some make-up tests after you've revamped your wardrobe
If you've never wore makeup in your life, trying it in the summer is ideal: you won't lack time to correct mistakes. Here's how to make your clothes and hair stand out.
- Use good quality makeup, which isn't always expensive. There are several brands with good value for money. Invest in foundation, powder and concealers, which will be the foundation of your makeup.
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Afterward, experiment with lipsticks, lip pencils, eyeliners, and eye shadows to express your personal style. Combine various colors to create neutral or vibrant looks.
Also in this case you can have a friend accompany you to the perfumery: it will be an opportunity to experiment and have fun
Step 7. With your tanning sessions, teeth whitening sessions and everything planned out of the way, it's time to go back to school with your new clothes, your new shoes, your new accessories, your new makeup and your new hairstyle
- If you can afford it, spending the day before class starts in a spa will do you even more good. If you can't go there, you can pamper yourself at home.
- Smile and be sociable with everyone. Your new look will make you feel more confident, and others will be impressed with your change.
- Don't stop taking care of yourself just because summer is over. At this point, hopefully your summer endeavors have grown into good habits to keep you looking your best every time.
Advice
- If you don't have the time and money to go to the gym, do situps and other exercises at home, adding jogging and biking. Get fitness DVDs and stick to the routine.
- Drink plenty of water, which will be good for both your skin and hair and your body in general. Do this especially when you are exercising and it is hot.
- Take care of your personal hygiene. Take a shower, cleanse your face and apply deodorant every day, shampoo every two to three days and brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Choose the foundation based on your skin type. If you have it dry, opt for a liquid or creamy base. If you have it oily, choose the mineral one.
- If in doubt, consult a specialist. A good dermatologist will prescribe the products suitable for your skin, the expert salespeople will give you excellent advice in terms of fashion. Don't be afraid to ask.