Getting your beach body ready for Summer.

Summer warmth and activities may seem topics for a distant future as you enjoy the holiday season and brave the bluster of winter. However, this is the best time of year for you to begin taking steps to get a beach-ready summer body. The indulgence of the Christmas season and the eagerness to resolve to do better in the New Year may be just the incentive needed to get you started and, with six months to go until the summer season commences, there is plenty of time to lose weight and get in shape in a healthy and more long-lasting way.

Setting realistic goals

The key to ultimate success in losing weight, toning up and being beach-ready by summer is to set realistic goals for yourself. Begin with an honest evaluation, since achieving your desired look will be only a partial victory if you become injured or ill along the way due to an unhealthy diet or putting too much strain on the body too soon. Most men and women have at least some insecurities about their bodies and how they look; both will look ruefully at their less-than-flat stomachs, untoned arms and legs, and general softness and lack of definition.

Cut back on the booze and tone your arms and legs.

For many, the goal is to look good in a swimsuit or even lingerie. Take measurements, including your height, weight and the circumference of the waist, hips, chest, thighs and upper arms. Determine your ideal weight by calculating your body mass index, or BMI. Keeping in mind what the desired goal is, this is an excellent time to begin looking for that perfect swimsuit or intimate apparel from Lingerie Diva to serve as inspiration as you work towards your desired body changes.

Looking good!

Healthy diet and exercise tips

In order to lose weight you need to reduce the amount of calories you consume every day. Make lean protein a significant part of each meal or snack. Protein is necessary for proper muscle recovery – very important when you are working the muscles with exercise. Add plenty of fiber to the diet; fiber not only helps you to feel full, it also helps the digestive system to function smoothly. Remember to drink plenty of water as well. Sugar is the bane of weight loss and it is everywhere; make healthier choices in moderation, such as dark chocolate or fruit, which can sate your cravings without derailing you from your goals.

Get down the gym.

Whether your goal is to lose weight or tone-up, combining a variety of regular exercise and activities is important to not only reach your goals, but to maintaining your beach body through the summer and beyond. Cardio-intensive exercises, such as jogging, swimming or cycling, work the body’s cardiovascular system, increase metabolism and burn calories. Thirty minutes of cardio-intensive exercise a day is an ideal goal. You’ll also want to work in muscle toning exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, and at least some weight lifting.

Looking good ready for Summer holiday.

You do not want to wait until the last minute to start prepping your body for beach fun this summer. Getting started with a healthy weight loss and fitness program in the wintertime will give you six months to make healthy changes to diet and daily habits that will have long-term positive effects on both your appearance and your overall health.

Stay fit and safe travels!