How to Get in Shape for Spring Break Fast

Your calendar says there's only three more weeks until spring break, but you haven't reached your fitness goals. Don't despair; you can get in shape for spring break fast by optimizing your diet and exercise regimen. These tips won't set you up for an unhealthy crash diet, rather, they can form the beginning of a healthy weight loss regimen that you can continue long after your vacation memories fade.

Instructions

1. Add an hour of moderate aerobic exercise training to your daily routine. Walking is ideal, because it meets the needs of people at every fitness level and doesn't require equipment or training.

2. Drink eight glasses of water each day. Water keeps you from feeling dehydrated, which you might mistake for an ice cream craving.

3. Eliminate all alcoholic beverages from your diet. Alcohol contains seven empty calories per gram, and drinking unnecessarily stimulates your appetite.

4. Initiate a weight-training regimen for your arms three times a week. If you have time to weight train other areas of the body that's a bonus, but arms show definition faster than larger muscle groups.

5. Eat nine servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. The powerful antioxidants neutralize free radicals generated by your increased exercise. Nine servings seems like a lot, but 1/2 cup of dried fruit provides two servings.

6. Trade refined sugars for whole grains. Refined sugars, like the high-fructose corn syrup ubiquitous in snack foods, leave you feeling washed out and hungry after a spike in insulin levels zaps your blood sugar level. Look for the words "whole grain" on the label, and enjoy a sustained energy level.