22 Mar 2010

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Spring is officially here which means it's time to put your snow pants and jackets back in the attic and dust off those board shorts so you can hit the beach. Before you try on those tight bathing suits you should try and make a few simple changes that can help you get your six pack back before beach season starts.

Eat Less Sugar

You need to ditch foods that are high in sugar and low in fiber. These foods are digested very quickly and if you don't burn that energy right away, your body will store those extra calories as fat moving you away from your goal of getting a beach body. The exception to this rule is during or right after a workout. Foods you should stay away from include (but are not limited to): soda, fruit juice, chips, doughnuts, cookies and candy. If you look at the nutrition label and all it has is sugar with no fiber, vitamins or minerals, it's something you should stay away from.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are relatively low in calories but high in fiber and other nutrients. The fiber will help keep you full for a very long time because it slows down the digestion process. This will lower your daily calorie intake and help you burn off that winter fat. In addition, by increasing your intake of these foods, you'll decrease your risk of many diseases including some types of cancer and heart disease. Looking good will mean being healthy.

Run at least 2 Miles Each Day

Cardiovascular exercise will help you create a calorie deficit and lose weight. Start of by running 1 mile per day and eventually increase it to 2 miles per day after 1-2 weeks. You might complain and think that you'll never be able to fit this into your schedule but 1 mile takes AT MOST 10 minutes to run. Twenty minutes isn't going to break your schedule. You can even split it up and run a mile in the morning and another mile at night.

Pushups, Situps, Pullups and Squats

You don't have to go to a gym to get a beach body (though it definitely won't hurt you). Instead, you can do a circuit of body weight exercises: pushups, situps, pullups and squats. These 4 simple exercises will hit all the major muscle groups of your body and when combined with a calorie restricted diet and enough cardio, will lead to a more defined body.

Build on Changes

These changes are the simple and basic steps you need to take not only to get a nice beach body but also to improve your fitness level and become a healthier individual. After you make these small changes continue improving your lifestyle by trying more challenging workouts and eating healthier. If you start now, next summer you won't have to worry about burning any winter fat.