Swimsuit season is peaking

There are some rains but days are getting warmer in this part of the world and people tend to find ways to cool themselves.  With the high cost of electricity as a consideration, we look for places where minimal expenses are made and at the same time relax, enjoy and feel the breeze.

The best alternatives are the beaches which we have in abundance.  From the crowded to the secluded, from the budget friendly to the uber luxurious, we are given that choice.  Then we all sashay and flaunt that hourglass body in swimsuits.  From cool kids to cooled adults to frigid seniors, we see them in all shapes and sizes clad in bathing suits rivalling the 64 colors of Crayola.

The learned people from the worldwide web gave us some tips on how to look good in this season of bikinis.  The athletes and the perpetually fit need not worry about their body as they’ll be looking good barely dressed.  For ordinary mortals like you and me, let us assume that we have done some serious physical exertions to shed those extra weights and show some ripped ab muscles.

We could have been active and spent time at the gym until the bell for orasyon rings but if we didn’t cut on our calorie intake, we will still have that layer of tender, juicy humba.  I’m not exactly your example of a lean and mean macho machine but age tells me to watch what we put inside our mouths.  Experts say protein and fiber are best because it slows the digestive process, thus making us fuller and reminds our brain that we’re not yet hungry.

They also say that salads are good choices but can be misleading as there are lots of tempting dressings like mayo, cheese, bits of meat, croutons and oils.  Fitness experts say we stick to colorful fruits and vegetables for lesser calories and fats.  These also prevent bloating and constipation which are the mortal enemies of the bikini clad. 

Among the causes of bloating are salty foods and alcohol but these are the most important staples when we hit the beaches.  Research says that a bottle of beer packs 150 calories.  Finishing four bottles gives you a 600-calorie bonus.  Further, they say that alcohol slows down our ability to burn fat and we tend to nibble some more when we consume alcohol.  The message here is steer clear from beer.  Oh my goodness, can we really do that?

We had some gloomy weather but on clear days, the sun’s burning hotter than the rosquillos oven and it’s never wise to be under it without protection.  We might look ridiculous in a wide brimmed hat while in swimsuits but our face is protected.  Ultraviolet rays from the sun causes premature aging and skin cancer and experts suggests a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 40 is advisable.  Rash guards are advisable and likewise, protective lip balms are a must, they say.  Yes, it’s like kissing a sandpaper.  Forget tanning as most of us in this part of the world are naturally burnt. 

Choose sunglasses well and almost always, the expensive ones serve the purpose.  Many dark tinted ones don’t offer any protection from UVA and UVB rays at all.  We’re just paying for the looks.  The bright sun makes us squint which causes fine lines around the eyes.  Over time, bright sunlight increases the risk of cataracts.  So say hello to Oakleys and Ray Bans if your pockets are deep.

No matter our shape and size, the most important thing is to have a good posture by keeping our backs straight and shoulders pulled back.  Two to three inches are taken off our height when we slouch and it makes our tummies look like we downed half a case of San Miguels.

All things considered, let’s scan the crowd around the beach.  There’s no such thing as a perfect body because we all have quirks.  There’s a strong chance that we look even better than some of those colourfully clad mortals in frolic.  If we’re truly confident and content with our bodies, damn if they care when we strut our Coca-Cola bodies, not in bottles but in cans.

Have fun under the sun but stay safe always.