How to Fake It

We're all works in progress… but you've got all of 1 day to look your best. Now's not the time to stress. It's time to fake it. I know, you're working on your workout program, you're doing your best to stick to a healthy diet, but sometimes you're just not as diligently dedicated as you could be… That's okay. Sometimes you just don't have the time to get in tip top shape before having to strut yourself at important must-look-good outings like high school reunions, weddings, and Friday night. Sure, you are working on a workout routine, you're in the midst of designing a diet that fits into your frenetic life, not to mention that you've now got just 20-minutes to shower, get dressed, and prettied for the "big" night! Faking your perfected figure just might be the jumpstart you need to finally get fit for good. But until then… try these slim down quick tips!

Want some instant inspiration? Watch this How To Fake A Perfect Body video:

EXERCISE

Slip in a good sweat session to help squeeze out bloat. But don't overdo it! Too much and too intense can actually have an opposite effect, engorging your muscles with blood (therefore pumping them up), and temporarily filling your blood stream with bloating cortisol. If trying to look fit the day of the big event, do some quickie resistance exercises. The point isn't to sweat, but to create the illusion of toned muscles. Tricep Dips, Calf Raises, Plank, Push-Ups, Lunges, and Squats are great areas to target-tone.

EAT

Ingest good healthy carbs in the morning like oatmeal, berries, a green smoothie, plus some healthy fats such as almond butter slathered on a banana or apple. For lunch and dinner eat lots of veggies and healthy proteins such as fish, hemp seeds (also a great source of fiber), almonds, or lean high quality meats, and VEGGIES (oh, did I say that already?). If you have a hankering for something sweet, have a small chunk of dark chocolate (at least 65% cocoa).

More than what you should eat, be aware of what you shouldn't eat- which isn't always just the fatty stuff. Some people should stay away from dairy because it can cause bloat for those who are lactose sensitive. Salt is another stay-away-from spice if you don't want to look like an inflated balloon.

DROP WATER WEIGHT

Since it is literally impossible to drop poundage on a days notice, yet you still want to look as if you've "lost weight," your best bet is to go for a decrease in circumference… through water loss. Here are foods that can help do the trick. Um… make sure you choose organic- it's even better for you (not to mention the planet):

-----Cut this out and tape it to your fridge!-----

"Diuretic" Foods to Encourage De-Puffing

-Celery

-Celery Seed

-Cranberry Juice

-Green Tea

-Dandelion leaf tea (also helps in detoxification and urinary tract infections)

-Fennel

-Juniper Berries

-Lemon

-Nettle

-Parsley

High Water Foods that, yes, Help Eliminate Excess Water

Eating high water content foods is another way to increase the elimination of excess fluid retention. I know, counter-intuitive:

-Artichokes

-Asparagus

-Brussels Sprouts

-Cabbage

-Carrots

-Cucumbers

-Lettuce

-Oats

-Tomatoes (also aid metabolism)

-Watermelon

-Watercress

UP YOUR POTASSIUM

Potassium-rich foods actually counterbalance the puffing qualities of salt and alcohol, acting as a mild diuretic. Here's a list of potassium-rich foods that you should slip into your diet right now.

-Avocado

-Beets and Beet greens

-Edamame

-Papaya

-Dates

-Spinach

-Butternut Squash

-Dried Apricots

-Banana

-Broccoli

-Orange juice

-Yogurt

-Yams

-Unsalted Almonds

-Grapefruit

-Salmon

OTHER SLIMMING/DE-PUFFING TRICKS

SOAKS AND SCRUBS

Bath products and scrubs that contain caffeine or algae actually help reduce puffiness and, over the long run may minimize the appearance of cellulite! Just make sure you are soaking in all-natural green suds, salts, and powders. Remember: your skin is actually an extremely porous organ, ingesting anything that touches it- chemicals and all. You wouldn't suck on chemical stick would you? So why would you soak in them?

ECO STILETTOS

Want to immediately slim your legs? Wear high, I mean HIGH heels. Yes, high heels create the appearance of longer, slimmer, more tone legs. Plus they add a dose of sex appear and therefore confidence. Better yet, strut it in eco stilettos and you will have the extra self-assuredness from the knowing that you're walking lightly on the earth.

POWER PANTIES

Men love power tools. Well, so do we. Ours are just a little different… According to Feng Shui belief, wearing something red can up your "wow" factor, arouse self-confidence, energetically emit power and attract luck. Bu you can't always wear a red outfit, or even a red accessory. So… wear red underwear. But, more than for reasons of practicality or even for the purpose of feng shui, wearing seriously sexy fire-engine panties under your basic black suit is like your little secret that takes your confidence to a whole new level. CONFIDENCE! The slimming power of confidence is amazing. Walk into a room like you own it. You can be as poised as you pretend to be. Confidence is the most important accessory you can adorn with. Without it, you can be wearing the most beautiful gown, and have a great hair day, but still not be the best version of yourself. Don't leave home without it!