So now that winter is over and everyone is shedding the thick layers of warm clothing, swimsuits are coming out from hibernation.  This also means that certain soft spots on the body are making an appearance, as well.  After donning a swimsuit last week while on vacation, I realized that now is the best time to hit the gym harder and eat better so that I can feel confident by the time summer is in full swing.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll be researching various diet and exercise tips, and I’ll be sure to share the good ones on here. 

Just a word of caution – experts agree that the best way to lose weight is diet an exercise.  Exercise routines will be successful if you work out because of the inner benefits you receive – more energy, better circulation, strength and improved cardiovascular and organ function.  By diet, they do not mean a temporary fix to fluctuating weight, but a full makeover of your eating habits.  Eat what you want, but be sure to portion amounts appropriately and you’ll be successful. 

Experts also agree that the best diets are the ones that stick as closely to nature as possible.  Your body can more easily break down items that have been processed as little as possible (aka, the way nature intended them).  The following article has some shocking information about processed food and why it’s so harsh on your body:

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100238557&page=1

The trick is to make better decisions while you’re grocery shopping.  By choosing foods your body easily breaks down and converts to energy, you’ll fuel your body, thereby increasing metabolism and decreasing your fat intake.  Although every body is beautiful and unique, most women feel insecure about the tiniest flaws – the best way to begin your transformation is by boosting your confidence.  Understand that holding your head high and flashing a winning smile is the best way to create a better image.  Once you’ve got that covered, the rest is easy.