health and fitness – Purple Travel Official Blog

Get ready for the beach with our bikini diet tips.

Mar 19 2013

Ladies! Winter is nearly done (we hope!) for good and spring is tiptoing slowly, ensuring you’re lusting after golden beaches, aqua parks and holidays in the sunshine. It’s also the time when tights are banished to the back of the wardrobe, miniskirts are taken out and oh yes, bikini time.

With the summer fast approaching and the images of powder white beaches , celebs looking amazing in tiny two pieces and the lure of sunshine, it’s a good time to think about getting in shape now. So, your friends at Purple Travel k decided to give you some tips on how to get ready for summer with our bikini diet tips.

What to eat

Vegetables – Chock full of nutrients, vegetables have always been supporters of our health and shape; therefore stock up and feel the weight drop off.

Leafy greens: For a meal without calories opt for a hearty salad which will certainly satisfy your hunger and won’t leave you with a bulging stomach.

Red Bell Peppers: this valuable food stimulates the digestive system and boosts your metabolism.

Peppermint: to feel as light as a feather have some peppermint leaves that reduce bloating and indigestion.

Fruits – Apart from their nutrient and vitamin value, mother nature’s best natural products not only benefits our body, but also helps our minds. Apples, oranges, berries, make us feel happier, thanks to their healthy content and utter deliciousness! Prepare a simple fruit salad with pineapple, berries and apples and say goodbye to annoying cellulite.

Fish – Forget the fatty sausages or bland chicken and go for fish! Have a low-calorie salmon meal which will supply your body with good omega 3 saturated fats.

Greek Yoghurt – The best solution for your daily calcium intake, it has zero fat and can be easily eaten plain or mixed with some fruits, or added to sauces, or savoury dishes.

Raw nuts – Nutritious, quick snacks with healthy fats, fibre plant sterols and many vitamins and minerals, raw nuts pack a powerful nutritional punch, all wrapped up in a tiny bite-sized package.

Exercise tips

For workaholics, the really busy ones or gym haters here are some exercise tips to help you either improve or keep in shape.

Tip 1: Give up email! If you want to share something with a colleague just walk to their office and have a chat. Every step counts – but you can always get a nice chat out of it too.

Tip 2: Improve your posture while sitting on your office chair, sit up straight and contract your tummy – this counts as an abs excercise even if you don’t feel it.

Tip 3: Avoid lifts. Try using the the stairs for some calorie burning, even if it’s just one or two floors worth. If you get public transport, get off the bus or tube one stop early and walk the extra few minutes home or to the office.

Tip 4: No need to drop yourself on the couch while watching your favourite series. Do some free weightlifting (even with two tins of beans!) or some gentle hip exercises to make your pastime a useful one.

Running around the world: the top marathons around the world

Jan 08 2013

Image of the New York City Marathon via @ Saucy Salad

City running: The New York City run is one of the top marathons around the world, with plenty of space for spectators. Around two million people throng the city streets each year just to cheer on their favourites. Entries are by lottery, so get your application in by April for your chance to run through all five boroughs. (November 10, 2013.)

Ice, Ice, Baby: The Antarctic Ice Marathon is one for the hardcore. Running on ice with temperatures dropping below 0, it’s certainly one for the absolutely committed… and a little crazy! (November 20, 2013.)

Desert Running: From one extreme to another, how about a six stage trek through the Sahara in Morocco. Temperatures can top 100 degrees, sandstorms can temporarily blind you and there are no shops to stop and pick up a handy bottle of water, all your supplies go on your back. (March 17, 2013)

Safari Marathon: A double loop around Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy will take you past zebras, giraffes and plenty of other wildlife. Try not to worry too much about lions and tigers – rangers and helicopters are on hand to rescue any runners that might come a cropper. (June 22, 2013.)

Great Wall adventure: How often will you get to walk on the Great Wall of China, let alone race along it? You’ll certainly feel like you’ve completed a workout over the gruelling but picturesque 5164 steps and paths. (May 18, 2013.)

The classic: The Athens City Marathon is the stuff of legend, literally. The home of the first ever marathon, it follows the route of a messenger who was delivering the news of Greece’s victory in the Battle of Marathon. It’s told he made his winning cry before collapsing on arrival in Athens. Today, the epic run finishes in the historic Olympic Stadium in the centre of the city. (November 10, 2013.)

Rookie runners: The Walt Disney World Half Marathon weekend is a good place to start for beginner runners. You can take the kids for an adventure of a lifetime and get a family run in at the same time. (February 22-24, 2013)

Rural running: The Connemarathon in Ireland will take you over mountains, glacier lakes, bogs and rolling hills and countryside of the West Coast. A great way to discover the Emerald Isle running a marathon with a difference. (April 7, 2013.)

Visit Purple Travel now to find out more about holidays with a difference.

The Bikini Files Part 4: How to get rid of Cellulite

Sep 06 2012

If you’re seeing bumps on your behind, don’t worry – you’re in good company; some 90 per cent of women have cellulite. Luckily, with this guide to how to get rid of those dreaded lumps, you’ll be beach ready in no time.

First of all, what is cellulite?

Cellulite is fat cells found underneath the top layer of the skin that have squeezed between bands of connective tissue, or collagen, attaching your muscle to your skin. Cellulite is actually composed of water, toxins and fatty tissue cells that build up under layers of skin and causes pressure on the connective tissues of muscles. This concentration of body elements causes the skin to take on an orange-peel like texture. While the structure of women’s connective tissue is vertical (like mattress springs), men’s collagen is angled, which means that fat cells don’t push through and pucker as much – the reason why virtually no men have cellulite.

What causes cellulite?

Dermatologists believe that bad circulation can intensify the appearance of lumps. “When blood flow slows, collagen separates, allowing fat to come up to the surface of the skin, creating an orange-peel effect,” says Howard Murad, MD, a FITNESS advisory board member and author of The Cellulite Solution. However, the main causes of cellulite are unhealthy diets and lack of exercise.

Cellulite builds up mostly in the stomach, hips, buttocks, thighs or on the back part of the legs – areas with deeper skin pockets that tend to retain more fat. This causes poor blood circulation to affected skin tissues, creating a dimpled, uneven surface.

Even though weight gain or obesity are often coupled with cellulite, other known factors include family genetics, hormone imbalances that usually occur during within the life cycle , and in women, high levels of Estrogen have been shown to cause cellulite formations.

How to get rid of cellulite naturally

Cellulite can be eliminated or reduced through regular exercising and a healthy diet. Regular running, aerobics, yoga, swimming or cycling can have a huge impact. Exercise sweats out excess water and toxins, reducing fat deposits in the targeted areas and toning up body muscles, while healthy eating ensures your system is flushing out waste toxins. Your nutritional diet should include dairy products and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are very helpful in removing toxins and providing many beneficial vitamins and minerals. Avoid processed foods, which are rich in saturated fats and sodium such as fried foods, potato chips, cookies and especially pork meats and avoid alcohol at all costs – sorry guys!

Do creams really work?

Cellulite creams are often overrated. They are typically a short term solution if the main cause is not addressed. Many anti-cellulite creams available today contain Aminophylline, which is included in kola nuts, tea and in coffee beans. When Aminophylline is used as a topical cream it will remove excess moisture from the skin and help to minimize cellulite and other skin imperfections. The only drawback is that when water is consumed by the body it will replenish the treated areas and the skin will once again retain moisture.

The better cellulite creams contain L-Carnitine, which is naturally contained in the skin and supports the metabolism. Regular massage applications of L-Carnitine-based creams have been shown to reduce dimples and lumps in a matter of weeks. We recommend Shiseido anti-cellulite cream, available from most department stores and pharmacies.

Click here for PART ONE : THE ULTIMATE BIKINI DIET PLAN

Click here for PART TWO : HOW TO SURVIVE A BIKINI WAX

Click here for PART THREE : HOW TO BEAT RAZOR BURN

Click here for PART FIVE: HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT BIKINI FOR YOUR SHAPE

The Bikini Files Part 5: Bikini for Body Shapes

Aug 30 2012

Holiday season may be coming to an end, but if you’re jetting off to catch those last rays of sun some place tropical, then you’ll want to be looking your best. The fourth part of our bikini survival guide is a guide to finding the perfect bikini for your frame. Read on for our expert tips on how to find the perfect bikini for body shapes of all types.

The secret to finding the perfect bikini for your figure is firstly to know your shape. Which one are you?

Hourglass | If your bust and hips are about the same width, but your waist is significantly smaller.
Athletic | If you’re thin all around, with no significant difference between your hips, waist and bust, and a muscular build.
Pear | If your hips are significantly wider than both your waist and bust.
Apple | If your waist is significantly wider than your hips, and equal to or nearly as wide as your bust.

Next – assess the situation.

If you’re hourglass | Hour glass figures benefit from fuller busts. However, these need support on the beach, so choose underwiring and full cups as you would with underwear.
Wider straps also help with uplift and prevent unsightly marks appearing on shoulders. Alternatively, halter necks can be adjusted for great shape and support. Be sure to balance the bikini so you don’t look top heavy. Don’t mix-and-matc! Wearing different colours on the top and bottom could make your body look disproportional.

DO: Get good support from underwired and cup-sized styles. DON’T: Spill out of ill-fitting shapes.

If you’re athletic | Feminine styles flatter an athletic physique. A halterneck will minimise large shoulders, while plunge fronts, tie tops and padding give a more glamorous shape. Pick the prettiest prints you can find – floral, animal, spots, tropical etc. High-cut legs divert attention from shoulders. Swap sporty styles and boy shorts for tie sides and mini briefs.

DO: Make yourself look feminine. DON’T: Pick functional, sporty styles.

If you’re pear-shaped | As pear shapes generally feature a smaller bust, you’re lucky to be able to wear triangle tops. Less fabric shows off more bust, while gel-filled or removable foam pads add shape. Avoid attention-grabbing big pants and stick with mini briefs to ensure the focus is up top. Luckily, having a triangular body shape usually means you also have a relatively flat tummy, so don’t be afraid to show it. Use colour and pattern to balance your body out visually; busy patterns draw attention, while dark, solid colours minimize attention. Try a patterned bikini top with a black bikini bottom.Play down fuller hips by choosing a very simple bottom.

DO: Always look for bikinis sold as separates, so you can get two different sizes for your top and bottom. DON’T: Drown your assets in saggy, ill-fitting tops.

If you’re an apple | If your tummy is a problem area, minimise it with larger bottoms, tankinis or styles with control panels. High-rise bottoms or shorts work best. Avoid fussy designs and opt instead for large prints or bold, colourful patterns. A tankini with padded cups will balance your shape and hide the tummy.

DO: Choose high-rise bottoms and tummy control. DON’T: Let it all hang out over skimpy briefs.

Click the links for the rest of our bikini files posts:

Click here for PART ONE: THE ULTIMATE BIKINI DIET PLAN

Click here for PART TWO: HOW TO SURVIVE A BIKINI WAX

Click here for PART THREE: HOW TO PREVENT RAZOR BURN

Click here for PART FOUR: HOW TO GET RID OF CELLULITE

The Bikini Files Part 3: How to Beat Razor Burn

Aug 23 2012

Unsightly. Annoying. Difficult to avoid. While you may think this is a post about Kerry Katona, we’re actually on about ingrown hairs. A common problem after waxing and shaving, these pesky, little blemishes can drive you absolutely mad. If you get the urge to irritate, pick, or squeeze them – STOP – they could become infected and turn into nasty, oozing boils. Gross, right? And definitely not the beach babe look you were aiming for. Here are are tips so you ‘ll beat razor burn and never worry again!

What causes razor burn?

Shaving. While you may shave (in particular around the bikini area) to look smooth and sleek, this is precisely what causes that ugly rash, which often looks far worse than those few strands of hairs did in the first place. Razor burn occurs primarily because most women shave improperly, which irritates their skin, taking off the outer layer of skin and literally injuring the skin tissues.

The body then responds to this as it does with any wound – it sends blood to the wounded area in order to heal it. The blood vessels dilate, the skin develops a rash, and hey presto, you have razor burn.

What can I do to prevent bikini line razor burn?

Firstly, stop shaving. Allow your bikini hair to grow for around two weeks, then get yourself a bikini wax at a professional salon.
If you can’t brave a wax, hair creams can work just as well and they cause less trauma to the hair follicles.
If you absolutely must shave, trim the hair first so that the razor isn’t ripping out longer strands – hair should be no longer than ¼ inch.
Moisterise the area immediately after shaving with an unscented moisturizing lotion. This will reduce itching and dryness.
Shave after you bathe, not before or during as your skin must be supremely hydrated before you go at it with a razor.
DO NOT USE SOAP. Only use shaving cream, or if you have none left, hair conditioner. The best options contain aloe or other soothing ingredients.
Shave down, not up. This way you are less likely to irritate your hair follicles.
Reduce intense redness immediately by applying hydrocortisone cream, which works instantly.
Treat your skin with benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication, which will minimize bumps and lumps.

What can I do to get rid of ingrown hairs?

Bikini blemishes are more commonly known as ingrown hairs. These small, irritated bumps develop when strands of hair curl and grow back into the skin after shaving. Thankfully, there is an answer for how to get rid of razor bumps. Treatment includes gently lifting out the ingrown hairs with a tweezer and applying exfoliating and soothing lotions to the area.

Click here for PART ONE: THE ULTIMATE BIKINI DIET PLAN

Click here for PART TWO: HOW TO SURVIVE A BIKINI WAX

Click here for PART FOUR: GETTING RID OF CELLULITE

Click here for PART FIVE: FIND THE PERFECT BIKINI FOR YOUR SHAPE

The Bikini Files Part 2: How to Survive a Bikini Wax Tips

Aug 16 2012

Hollywood. French. Brazilian. Waxing and travel are linked in more ways than one; there’s nothing worse than throwing on a bikini, only to discover that it looks like they found bin Laden hiding inside your panties. Hey, we’re all for women’s rights here at Purple Travel, but ladies – come on – that’s just gross.

On the other hand, preparing for your first bikini wax, especially if its a Brazilian, can be incredibly nerve-wracking. But don’t worry, generations of women have gone before you and lived to tell the tale. And, unless your lower half is of Attack of the 50-foot Woman proportions, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete. If you have any more bikini wax tips we’d love to hear them in the comments below!

The first step is to which wax you would like to choose. The cost, length, and pain of the procedure depend on that decision, so be sure you know what you’re in for. Your options are:

Traditional Only those hairs that grow outside of your bikini line will be removed. Perfect for first-timers and wimps.

Full bikini wax Hair is removed up to two inches inside the bikini line.

French Removes all hair off the in the front (except a small strip) and continues to right before the back. It doesn’t take hair off from the back like a Brazilian (see below).

Brazilian It’s painful, uncomfortable and many women won’t go more than four weeks without it. The Brazilian leaves no crevice unexplored, leaving only a thin strip of hair pointing towards your bellybutton.

Hollywood Same as above, only with no ‘landing strip’.

FAQS

What is the exact process? First, you’ll remove all clothes below your waist. Depending on which wax you choose (see above) you may have to don one of those hideous paper thongs, but bear with us, the worst is yet to come. You will then lie down and your waxer will investigate the area – if your pubic hair is too long (i.e. more than about 5mm), your waxer may first trim it with scissors. She will then use a stick or spatula to apply hot wax to your pubic hair in patches, and then use a clean cloth to peel the wax and hair off your skin. Repeat until smooth as the day you were born.

How bad is the pain? We’re not going to lie; waxing is a pretty aggressive technique and tensing up makes it worse. Bear in mind though that the pain and the experience are only temporary. It will all be over soon.

Can I take pain killers beforehand? You could take a standard dose of OTC pain reliever before your appointment to dull the pain, but nothing will totally get rid of it.

How do I get rid of ingrown hairs? Some women may experience ingrown hairs as their hair grows back in. You can reduce this risk by gently exfoliating and moisturizing the skin – stay tuned for next week’s Bikini Files for more on this.

Will I get an allergic reaction? Most women will not have an allergic reaction. You may experience some chicken leg appearance afterwards, but it’s nothing a cooling moisturiser shouldn’t solve. However, if itching, dryness, or redness last more than a day or so and cannot be eased by moisturizing, you may need to consult a dermatologist.

TIPS FOR BIKINI WAX SURVIVAL

1) Take some medication

2) Wear lose clothing so you don’t irritate the area afterwards

3) Ask for numbing gel afterwards

4) Close your eyes so you can avoid seeing the hairs coming off

5) Make fists and think about something else

6) Stay calm

You don’t have to avoid bikini waxes, but you should exercise caution. You don’t want to wax more than once a month, assuming that your hair has re-grown enough, about one-quarter inch, for waxing to work effectively.

If you’re still nervous, you may want to start slow, with minimal hair removal, and work your way up to your full hair removal goal.

Click here for PART ONE: THE ULTIMATE BIKINI DIET PLAN

Click here for PART THREE: HOW TO GET RID OF RAZOR BURN

Click here for PART FOUR: HOW TO BEAT CELLULITE

Click here for PART FIVE: FIND THE PERFECT BIKINI FOR YOUR SHAPE