Don't take the easy way out...it does't work.

It seems to be the time of the year everyone is starting to think about shaping up for bikini season. It always amazes me when I see facebook statuses and overhear people talk about doing cleanses, fasts or those crazy grapefruit, cookie or south beach diets that never work. Just face it people the only thing that has and ever will work is diet and exercise. Here's a quick and healthy 7 step process to living a healthier life style. 

#1) Drink water everyday At least 8 glasses a day.

#2) Eat fresh fruit .  Fruit is a miracle food. It is full of vitamins,minerals and nutrients. It fills you up and keeps you away from processed carbs.

#3) Eat fresh veggies. Eat 5-6 servings of veggies a day. Sneak it in throughout the day. For an example in the morning I make 2 egg whites with mushrooms and onions. As a snack I'll have a sandwhich bag full of carrots to munch on. For lunch I make sure to include spinach, mushrooms and onions with anything I pre-make.

#4) Limit grains, dairy and meat. If you consume them, make sure they are whole grains, grass fed and organic. I used to drink skim milk but it contains too much sugar in it. I recently switched to coconut milk and love it. 

#5) Get sweaty daily.  Run, walk, hike, shovel snow, wash windows, dance, ride a bike, yoga, spinning classes, group exercise classes, life weights. Just do something to get your butt off the couch for at least an hour a day and sweat it OUT!!! Start changing the the way you view going to the gym. Instead think of it as going to your job or office and doing work...just get it done!

#6) No processed food or sugar. If it comes in a package, put it back. If it has the word “corn syrup” or the “high fructose corn syrup” run fast and far. A good rule of thumb is to not eat anything over 8g of sugar.

#7) Personal Cleanse Be swift to love, slow to get angry, quick to help others, flee from temptation, avoid judgement, be happy and always be kind to all.

Stop making excuses today.  Here's to you and your journey of self discovery. Get to know yourself today through hard work and sweat. Stop with all your "tomorrow" talk and get after it already.