How Model & Actress, Brigitte Patton Prepares for a Bikini Photoshoot

Between being featured in the Most Beautiful Women of Hawaii calendar for 2014 & holding the title for Miss Maxim Hawaii 2007, Brigitte Patton is no stranger to being in a bikini on camera. She’s an ideal interview because she is a fabulous example of someone who believes in moderation, exercise, & clean eating. The modeling & acting world can sometimes morph a person’s healthy approach to staying fit & eating right. But this girl knows her shit- not mention her egg scramble sounds delicious. And we both love, love, love breakfast for dinner. Ok, so let’s talk her pre-bikini tips, summer must-haves, & Brigitte’s borderline obsession with fresh sashimi:

+ Describe yourself:

Brigitte Patton: my name is Brigitte Patton. I work as a model, actress, host, & auditor. Yes, you read right, I’m also an auditor. I recently moved to San Diego, California about a year & a half ago from Honolulu, Hawaii!

+ Spill. Give us a secret modeling tip!

BP: if you have little/no time for eating right or to change up your workout routine, aim for black clothing that accentuates parts that you’re most confident with & throw on some nude heels.

+ If you’re rocking a LBD, what body part are you flaunting?

BP: for me, I’d have to say my legs. If the dress is cut right it’ll automatically create nice curves and longevity [ i.e. legs ] in all the right places.

+ I’m all about natural- what’s a natural beauty product you swear by?

BP: the Clarisonic Opal Anti-Aging Sea Serum! I started using this back in December & I love it. It’s a great way to massage and stimulate the eye area in the mornings to fight away puffiness.

+ Quick skinny tip?

BP: drink lots of water, eat tons of fruit, & sashimi!! You’ll feel incredibly refreshed & instantly skinny!!

+ Healthy snack favorite?

BP: almonds are my go to snack source. I always have some stashed at my desk.

+ Let’s talk cocktails! What’s your typical order?

BP: I’m a vodka/soda with a lime girl. You don’t have to worry about all the calories; something about it being clear makes me feel a little better. Probably because darker alcohol carries a lot more sugar & calories.

+ Give us the deets on preparing for a bikini photoshoot.

BP: in short, cardio! I’ve come to enjoy running during my workouts. It burns the most calories in a shorter period of time. Three to four times during the week, I’ll run approximately 3.25 miles in thirty minutes and do a hundred abs/crunches.  In addition, one day [ usually in the middle of the week ] I’ll start with fifteen minutes of the elliptical machine for my cardio & do about thirty to forty minutes of heavy leg & upper body toning exercises. This way I’m getting a good four to five day workout before a shoot to feel my best! Not only is exercise important, but I try my best to watch my diet for the days leading up to the shoot. Lots of sushi/sashimi, soups, & salads. Foods that won’t make you feel weighed down & tired. 

+ Five fashion must-haves for summer?

1.] Banana Boat tanning oil for those summer days. I’m a summer girl through & through; I think it has something to do with living in Hawaii for over five years. Vitamin D is so important to feel happy!

2. ] Acacia & San Lorenzo swimwear: my two bikini brands of choice.

3. ] Armani Exchange sunglasses to protect my eyes.

4. ] A Powershot Canon camera to document all the summer fun!

5. ] And of course, frozen yogurt!! I have a sweet tooth and this is an excellent way to satisfy my sugar craving. Taro is my favorite flavor.

+ Besides black, what’s the best color choice for clothing?

BP: it’s not really a specific color, but vertical stripes are always helpful if you’re looking to appear slimmer. Plus it adds some extra height. Oh, & don’t forget the heels!

+ Healthy, easy recipe? 

BP: if I’m exhausted from the day & I still need to make dinner, I’ll aim for an egg scramble. I usually keep my fridge stocked with frozen spinach, eggs, tomatoes, & cheese [ preferably low-fat feta cheese ]. Breakfast for dinner is my favorite!

Brigitte’s Egg Scramble

3 whole eggs

3/4 non-fat milk

Frozen spinach [ add as much as you'd like ]

1/2 handful cherry tomatoes, sliced

A few sprinkles of feta cheese

+ Directions: I mix three whole eggs with about 3/4 cup of non-fat milk and get the scramble going.  At the same time in separate pot, I’ll start boiling the frozen spinach [ bonus: way easier to keep for extended periods of time than fresh & it still contains all key nutrients].  Once the eggs are finished, I’ll drain the spinach & add it to the eggs, add cut up cherry tomatoes, and top it with feta cheese and mix it all together.  Takes about ten to fifteen minutes to make and extremely low in fat & calories!

{ Photo 4: wearing my favorite, JNB jewelry }

{ Photo sources: 1, 3, 5 }