7 ways to feel trim in 24 hours

The worst thing you can do the day before a big event or holiday is to go into panic mode and start skipping meals – you’ll feel lethargic and miserable. Instead, plan your meals carefully and give your metabolism a kickstart by incorporating foods such as kale, yoghurt, egg whites and grapefruit into your diet. Starting the day the day the right way with a healthy breakfast full of fibre, such as oats, will mean you’re less likely to want to snack later on, while a cup of green tea can boost metabolism for up to two hours and help to keep your stomach flat.

Of course, you’re not going to transform your body in a matter of minutes or hours, so there’s no need to go crazy on the treadmill! But getting some kind of exercise the day before your big event will not only get your metabolism going and blood flowing but you’ll also feel more confident and energised. Choose to take part in a fun class that you enjoy or go for a sociable run with a friend.

We’re talking sugar, salt, chewing gum and white carbs – all of which will leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Most processed foods contain sodium and sugar, so be sure to check labels carefully or avoid them altogether to be on the safe side. Chewing gum can lead to swallowing air which causes bloating, so munch on stomachflattening raw vegetables instead. Try to keep your carb intake to a minimum for this day and only opt for high fibre, whole grain choices such as quinoa and oats when you do have them.

An easy move that you can do just minutes before you put your dress or bikini on, scissor legs works and engages the core to give you a flat tummy. Using a mat, lay flat on your back, placing a Pilates ball underneath your tailbone. Lift both legs up to the ceiling, engaging your lower abs, and lower one leg straight down to the ground without letting it touch the floor. Keeping your pelvis tucked and scooped under, scissor the legs to swap to the other side. Do 30 reps.

Water, water and more water – H20 is your best friend today. Aim to drink eight glasses a day and not only will you combat water retention, you’ll feel more energised and your skin will be looking dewy to boot. Not a fan of the plain stuff? Mix it up by adding slices of cucumber or fresh fruit to your glass for a fun and refreshing twist. Talking of drinking – avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks at all costs to keep you feeling slim.

Feel trimmer in 10 minutes by taking a bath in Epsom salts, which are said to take inches off your body if you suffer from belly bloat. Popular with celebs before red carpet appearances, the anti-inflammatory, detoxing salts are made from magnesium sulfate and draw out the excess fluid and toxins from your body as they soak into your skin. This isn’t something you should do everyday, but it works well as a quick fix or as a cleansing ritual once a week.

Finally, look taller and slimmer immediately by being more aware of your posture. Stop yourself from slumping and stand up tall by shifting your weight to your heels, lifting your butt and bringing your ribcage up so that your shoulders move back and open. Pull the muscles running from your navel to your pubic bone back, in and down, and hey presto! You’ll look and feel great, so it’s time to hit the beach and work that new found confidence.