1 Week to the Beach? Here's How to Look and Feel Your Best Fast

According to celebrity trainers Chris and Heidi Powell, there's a simple way to change the body instantly and beat belly bloat. If you're consuming too much salt and sugar, a strong core can be covered up by a "layer of water and potentially a layer of fat," Heidi says.

Here is the pair's concrete rule to banish bloat quickly: get sodium intake down to 1,500 milligrams per day and cut sugar down to 20 grams. Your body will naturally shed water weight and reveal all your hard work from the gym. Once you make this shift in your diet, Chris says you'll see an "immediate change," so start packing all those itsy-bitsy bikini tops.

When it comes to shaping up quickly and safely, eating fresh, whole foods simply works. Choosing clean, all-natural ingredients naturally cuts out all the garbage that makes your blood sugar spike or packs on the pounds, and did I mention it's delicious? If you're not sure where to start, follow our clean-eating rules that break down this concept. Then, it's time to get into the kitchen.

Keeping your diet clean means you'll be spending extra time prepping and cooking recipes that support your needs. One you need to try is this immunity-boosting kale salad that's full of nutrient-rich and detoxifying ingredients. Call it a psychosomatic response if you wish, but I swear I feel healthier with every bite.

If you're anything like me, certain foods don't stand a chance in your fridge. Leftover cheese, charcuterie, or a pint of ice cream tends to get finished as soon as it enters my home. If you can relate, it's time to get rid of these goods stat and stock up on healthy staples that support your goals. There will be enough temptation in the outside world, so do everything you can to make your home a healthy sanctuary this week.

The foods you use to fuel your body like our famous flat-belly smoothie can help boost your metabolism all day long. Check out our favorite fat-burning recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks that all include nutrients proven to fight fat, and be sure to steer clear of these belly-bloating culprits that mess with your progress — some will surprise you!

Staying hydrated is essential for your health all year round, but it's especially important when the weather heats up. Beyond keeping you headache-free in high temps, staying hydrated can suppress your appetite, keep your skin looking gorgeous, and even boost your metabolism. Double the detoxifying power of your glass with these even-better water additions like lemon and ginger for the seven days leading up to your trip. And be sure to stay safe and drink plenty of water when you're out and about on vacation!

Alcohol is full of empty calories and tons of sugar, which messes with all the hard work you're putting into eating clean and working out. If you're serious about shaping up and feeling your best before the beach, cut out booze for (at least) seven days. Opt for an all-natural mocktail or a healthy nightcap until your vacation begins. Remember: putting in the work now and sticking to your plan means you can enjoy your favorite boozy beach beverages without any guilt.

Your diet is going to need to undergo a major overhaul, but getting in plenty of cardio this week will get your energy soaring and help you feel your very best before vacation. If you're not currently working out at all, this doesn't mean you need to go from zero to 60 and end up with an injury that could put a damper on all your fun! Simply make a little time to move every day.

Work out with a few of our short workout videos, go for a 20-minute run on the treadmill, or hit up a new workout class with friends that you've always wanted to try. You just might find a newfound love for fitness in the process of your weeklong project!

Even with the best intentions, there will be people in your life who will do everything (I repeat, everything) in their power to steer you off your healthy path. After you give these folks the heads-up you're keeping your week healthy and clean, they will try to lure you into a decadent dinner out instead of eating at home or a happy hour extravaganza instead of your Spin class. If you're serious about feeling your best, make yourself the priority here, and simply say "no." I promise they'll get over it.

Sleep is precious, and when you're trying to look and feel your best, it is even more of a necessity. Sleep resets your body and keeps your immune system strong, so nothing gets in the way of your good time. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep every night, so you're energized and feel your very best once you head out on your fabulous vacation.