When summer rolls around, it is time to break out your bikini so that you can hit the beach. Before you do that, however, you may want to try using some simple diet and exercise tips to get in shape. Feeling great about your body will give you more confidence so that you can enjoy the warm summer weather without worrying about how you look in your bathing suit.

If you want to give your metabolism a boost, you should avoid starving yourself. Instead, make sure that you are eating plenty of calories and that you are giving your body the nutrition that it needs. If you cut back on calories too much, your body will enter starvation mode. In essence, that means that your body starts to think that you are starving. It compensates by storing fat rather than burning it.

One of the easiest ways to lose weight is by cutting out processed foods. Typically, these foods have a lot of empty calories. They also usually contain sugar. Whole foods such as lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and organic dairy products are all good choices. Just make sure that you buy products that are processed as little as possible. The closer they are to their natural state, the healthier they are for your body and the more likely they are to help you lose weight.

Make sure that you choose foods that are delicious and satisfying. Eating food that you love is a great way to keep yourself from feeling deprived. When you feel satisfied, you are less likely to binge on unhealthy foods.

Prepare your meals in advance. Knowing what you are going to eat and having the food already prepared is the best way to stay on track with your diet. Most people should try to eat around 1500 calories each day when they are trying to lose weight, although this number can vary depending on your age, your activity level, your gender, and your current weight. Experts usually recommend eating five or six modestly sized meals each day instead of eating three big meals. You can easily accomplish this by fitting in a healthy snack between meals in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Keep healthy food on hand that you can snack on throughout the day. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a good option, as are nuts and seeds. Although nuts have a lot of calories, they also contain a ton of nutrients. They are a good source of healthy fats, as well, making them a smart addition to your diet plan.

Stay hydrated by drinking water that has been flavored with fresh lemon juice throughout the day. The subtle lemon flavor makes the water easier to drink. When you keep your body hydrated, you can see improvements in your digestion, the condition of your skin, and your overall immunity. Getting plenty of water can also help keep your metabolism going strong. Try drinking a glass of water approximately 30 minutes before you eat breakfast each day. Then, continue drinking more as the day goes on to ensure that your body is getting enough water.

Decide what to do about carbohydrates. Your body needs carbohydrates to produce energy. At the same time, however, too many carbohydrates can cause you to gain weight – especially if you choose empty carbohydrates like the ones that are found in junk food, sweets, or overly processed foods. The best option is to get your carbohydrates from healthy foods such as quinoa or brown rice. Try to avoid white foods like pasta, white bread, white rice, and potatoes. Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates like the ones that you can find in whole grains and fresh vegetables. When cooking dishes, try substituting whole grains for pasta or other foods that are high in simple carbohydrates.

Make hydration one of your top priorities. When you drink enough water, it helps you feel fuller. This, in turn, can keep you from eating too many calories. It also helps your body work better. Alcohol, soda, coffee, and other types of beverages can cause dehydration. Plain water is almost always the best choice. If you do need to have coffee in the morning, try taking it black rather than adding a lot of sugar or cream. If you need a little bit of sweetness, a product like Stevia is a great alternative to traditional sugar.

Working Out And Staying Rested

If you want to lose weight, you need to exercise – particularly if you are hoping to have a lean, toned body by the time summer rolls around. Try using these tips to get in great shape:

Consider working out with another person. Staying motivated to exercise can be challenging. When you work out with another person, it is a lot easier to stay on track. Working out is also much more fun when you have someone to share the experience with. An exercise guide can also help and we’ve read a great review of Kayla Itsines – so it could be worth a try.

Make sure to stretch every time you work out. Avoid the temptation to skip stretching. When you stretch your muscles, you are less likely to get injured. Stretching can also help reduce soreness after a challenging workout.

Periodically change things up. Don’t just do the same work out all the time. Instead, change your workout routine around frequently so that you focus on different parts of your body. Make sure to choose a variety of different exercises so that all of your muscle groups are getting a good workout. For instance, don’t just walk or run. Instead, try swimming, hiking, and rock climbing to add more muscle groups into the mix. Adding some variety to your workouts can also help make exercising more fun and enjoyable.

Make sure you are getting plenty of cardiovascular exercise. Getting your heart rate up is a great way to lose weight. Try to find a cardio activity that keeps your heart rate in the target zone for half an hour at least a couple of times a week. As you get in better shape, you can increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. There are a ton of fun cardiovascular activities out there ranging from Zumba to running.

Whenever possible, walk. Walking is a fantastic way to get in shape and doesn’t require any equipment. Best of all, you can easily add more walking to your day without having to drastically change your routine. Simply choosing a parking spot that is further out or climbing the stairs instead of jumping on the elevator at work can make a big difference. Buy a pedometer and try to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps each day. You may even be able to use your smartphone to track your steps since many of them have apps available that are designed specifically for that purpose.

Don’t forget to incorporate strength training into your workouts as well. Building muscles is a great way to rev up your metabolism. Make sure that you are working all of your muscle groups to get the best results.

Consider incorporating yoga into your workout routine. Spending some time stretching and focusing on your breathing is a great way to begin your day.

When deciding on workouts, make sure to choose activities that you enjoy. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to maintain your exercise program long enough to see results.

Pencil in a time for exercise each day. When you add it to your schedule, you are less likely to skip it or to get too busy to fit it in.

Getting plenty of sleep is essential. If you are sleep deprived, it is much more difficult to get in shape. Additionally, studies have shown that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight than those who do. Focus on getting the rest that you need to make exercising easier.

Finally, don’t forget to take care of your skin after each workout. Prevent clogged pores or acne by taking a shower after your workouts. This can help clear away any sweat or oil.