Swimsuit season is a just a few weeks away and if your New Year’s resolution was gone by February, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed with the idea of wearing a two-piece. Here are four things you can do today that may make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting the body you want! 

Plant a Garden

Sounds trivial right? Maybe even a little boring? But individuals that garden tend to eat more fruits and vegetables (you know, those things that really help us to lose weight) and get more weight-bearing activity as well – meaning more muscle and less fat! In addition to better diet and more exercise, gardening also helps to manage stress, a key component if you’re really interested in losing weight!  That’s because cortisol, a hormone that increases with stress, is tied to weight gain. Less stress equals less cortisol, resulting in a better body on the beach!

Convert Your Pantry to Whole Grains

We’ve all heard Dr.Oz say it, but how many of you have actually done it? Getting refined grains out of your pantry and moving high-fiber ones in can make a huge difference in the battle of the bulge. High-fiber foods will keep you fuller longer which means less calories and greater weight loss. As an added benefit, whole grains will also help to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Save Money and Calories By Skipping Your A.M. Coffee Run

Replace your morning coffee shop “dessert” beverage (the ones with the caramel and whipped cream) with homemade power smoothies. Skipping your coffee shop drink can save you from consuming aging sugars, saturated fats and hundreds of calories. If smoothies are not your forte, just go black. The benefits of coffee are abundant – but we often ruin them when we add the cream and sugar.

Eat Dessert!

So many of my clients refuse to alter their diet for fear that they’ll feel too deprived. Moderation, however, is key, and keeping some of your favorite old standbys in your diet will work fine – as long as they are infrequent. To that, I say, eat (healthy) desserts! Top low-fat yogurt with berries, granola or whole grain cereal; grill your favorite fruits and top with cinnamon, toasted almonds, pecans or bran flakes; top a whole grain waffle with natural peanut or almond butter and add your favorite fruits. Or make my yummy peanut butter balls as a snack for after dinner.