When the days start getting warmer, our minds automatically drift to swimsuit shopping, relaxing hours by the pool and fabulous summer getaways. Well, that is until reality sets in and we remember we’ve got some work to do before baring our bods on the beach.

Winter’s chilly bite often tempts us into a pattern of laziness and over-eating. We’re bored, so we eat. We’re cold, so we eat. We’re hosting holiday parties and going out on the town, so we eat. The vicious cycle continues until we’ve packed on about five or ten pounds more than we normally weigh.

If you want to drop a few pounds before swimsuit season arrives, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to forego all sweets, salts and carbs. In fact, a monster diet may not get you anywhere but frustrated. The key to slimming and trimming your figure lies within…you’ve got to make a commitment to yourself to live a healthier lifestyle, and the rest will fall into place.

First of all, get off your lazy butt! Muscles aren’t just attached to your body to hold your insides together... so start using them! Find activities that you enjoy and your workout sessions start to seem like playtime. Get together with a friend or a group of friends – or new acquaintances – and encourage yourselves to reach your goals. Positive reinforcement and motivation truly do impact your performance and success!

Try some fun and exciting activities on for size, to get yourself back into the size you want to be. You can participate in gentle aerobic exercises, weightlifting, intense physical workouts and more – it all depends on your personal style and what you like to do. Consider Pilates and yoga classes for a group setting – or you can buy the workout tapes and DVDs to get started in the comfort of your home.

You can also get active by trying these activities:

	Roller-Blading
	Running/Jogging
	Power-Walking
	Biking
	Weightlifting
	Sit-ups, Push-ups, Chin-ups…
	Climbing stairs instead of taking the escalator or elevator
	Walking instead of driving whenever possible

To really clinch your goals and get your body in the shape you want for the warmer months, you must also make a commitment regarding the foods you eat. You do not have to cut sweets entirely out of your diet, but it truly would help if you reduced your intake of sugary treats. Giving up soda may not be a bad idea, and it’s also a wise choice for your teeth!

Snack on crunchy fruits and veggies during the day instead of grabbing for cookies and potato chips. Fresh fruits and vegetables taste great and positively impact your health in so many ways. And did you know - carrots, apples and celery also combat bad breath!

Forget the diet pills, nazi dieting plans and insane, nonstop workouts. When you decide you are ready to make some positive changes in your life to better your body image, do so gradually. Make a conscious effort to eat healthier foods and cut down on the troublesome snacks.

Make small changes and adapt to a healthier lifestyle. Start out by exercising once or twice a week and see how great your body feels the next day. You’ll soon want to work out more vigorously, and your healthy appetite for exercise may even influence healthier eating!

By Kate M. D’Imperio © 2006