5 Days to Get Snatched: How I Prep for a Swim or Lingerie Shoot
When it comes to lingerie or swim shoots, some models have a “prep” routine, It’s our version of training for a marathon. When you’re showing so much of yourself, it’s important to feel your best, not just physically, but mentally too. While long-term consistency plays a big role, I really start dialing things in about 4–5 days before a big shoot, depending on my schedule.
So whether you’re a model or just a girly looking to snatch yourself for a special event or occasion, these are the steps I follow!
DAYS 5–3: NUTRITION, SUPPLEMENTS, HYDRATION, WORKOUTS & RED LIGHT
Clean Eating Focus
I follow most of these habits consistently, but five days out, I become extra mindful. I prioritize three nutrient-dense meals per day, high in protein, lower in carbs. I cook the majority of my meals, including what I pack for work (breakfast and lunch). If I need to eat out, I stick to the basics: grilled chicken, fish, or steak with steamed or roasted veggies (always gluten- and dairy-free). I also make sure to finish dinner at least 3 hours before bed to allow time for digestion.
**A good rule of thumb when it comes to food: If it grew from the ground, walked the earth, or swam in the sea, it’s likely a whole, nutrient-dense food your body will recognize and process well. The closer it is to its natural state, the better it supports digestion and energy.
Why I Pack My Own Food
On set, meals are often ordered or catered, and even the “healthy” options can hide bloat or inflammation triggers like:
• Nut milks with gums and sugars
• Seed oils in dressings
• Heavily seasoned veggies cooked in inflammatory oils
• “Healthy” snacks that still disrupt digestion
(Even for coffee or matcha, I skip nut milks, which often contain gums and additives, and opt for black coffee or a matcha americano.)
To Minimize Bloating & Inflammation, I Cut Out:
• Processed foods
• Refined sugars
• Alcohol
• Gums and emulsifiers
• Gluten and dairy
Hydration
Hydration is non-negotiable. I start every morning with hot lemon water to kickstart digestion, followed by a cup of bone broth for gut support and extra protein. I aim for at least 3 liters of water daily and find that flavoring it with lemon makes it a little easier to hit my goal.
Supplements
While I have a consistent supplement routine, I may increase a few things before a shoot:
• Magnesium glycinate – to support deep sleep and reduce stress
• Magnesium citrate – to aid digestion and prevent constipation
Workouts & Fitness
I keep my workout routine pretty consistent, but make sure to get a few workouts in the days leading up. I normally rotate between:
• Heated HIIT classes
• Pilates
• Weight training
• Long walks
• At-home workouts (I love the FORM app!)
Red Light Therapy
One of my favorite nighttime rituals is sitting in front of my red light panel or using an LED light therapy mask. Red light helps reduce inflammation and increases collagen to give your skin a glow.
2 DAYS BEFORE: BODY, SKIN, SLEEP
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
This is one of my favorite prep steps. I book a manual lymphatic drainage or sculpting massage, which boosts circulation and helps flush out toxins and retained water. I always book it two days out so my body has time to fully drain. This is the step that leaves me feeling the most snatched, I often take before and after photos and the results are truly shocking.
**Post-massage tip: Hydrate aggressively! Your body won’t flush retained water unless you’re drinking enough. Afterward, I eat a clean, protein-rich meal like grilled chicken, sweet potato, and greens.
Skin Prep
After the massage, I exfoliate and shave my entire body to prep for tanning the next day. Out of the shower, I slather myself in coconut oil and sleep in long pajamas to ensure i’m super moisturized for self tan.
Castor Oil Wrap
Before bed, I apply a castor oil pack on my abdomen. Castor oil, rich in ricinoleic acid, supports lymphatic flow, liver detox, and digestion. I coat my stomach and cover with an organic cotton cloth and wrap.
Sleep
Sleep is crucial. Your body restores itself overnight, so I aim for 8+ hours. No negotiations!
1 DAY BEFORE: SWEAT, TAN, REST
Sweat
I do a heated HIIT or Pilates session to sweat out any remaining water or toxins. I don’t do this on the same day as my lymphatic massage because it can be too dehydrating and counterproductive if your body isn’t properly hydrated.
Self-Tan
With my skin exfoliated and moisturized from the night before, it’s the perfect time to tan. I use Loving Tan 2 Hour Express in Ultra Dark, it’s my favorite at home self tanner because I can rinse it off before bed and avoid sticky orange sheets. I buff it in really well with a mitt to ensure no streaking.
Castor Oil Wrap (Again)
Same routine as the night before. It’s a gentle way to support continued detox. (Done after rinsing self tan).
Rest & Relaxation
The rest of the day is for relaxing. No stress, no new foods, no unnecessary errands or tasks. Chill mode.
DAY OF SHOOT: ROUTINE & NOURISHMENT
Morning Routine
I wake up early to give myself time to move slowly through these steps:
• Remove my castor oil wrap
• Do a gentle tummy massage (always clockwise)
• Drink hot lemon water
• Stretch or take a walk
• Use gua sha + under-eye masks
• Sip bone broth on the way to set
On-Set Nutrition
Packed meals the day of the shoot (to avoid any surprise ingredients) consist of:
Breakfast:
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• ½ avocado
• Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
Lunch:
• Grilled chicken breast
• Roasted veggies & quinoa
• Arugula salad with olive oil & lemon
Although I avoid any set food, I will order a hot matcha americano or black coffee. Although I prefer iced everything, hot drinks help with digestion and reduce bloating.
I sip water all day and avoid snacking unless absolutely necessary. I usually bring an apple as a backup, but my meals are designed to be filling and balanced.
That’s all!! This routine helps me feel my absolute best—mentally and physically. Everyone’s body is different, but I’ve found that just a few days of focused prep can make a huge difference in how I look, feel, and show up on shoot day. I hope you can find something in here that might help you feel the same :)