3 secrets to getting in shape.

So you've decided where you will be vacationing. Better yet, you have purchased the plane ticket and made your hotel reservations. Now what? Well, if you are like most people, you might what to lose those few pounds before your big vacation.

Below, are trade secrets that will not only help you in losing the weight, it will also help you in keeping it off for good.

Exercise. To maximize weight-loss, you need to combine both aerobic and strength training workouts. When it comes to aerobic exercises, low-impact aerobics are your best bet for quick weight loss since it relies on the bodies fat stores for energy. For maximum weight loss, try towork out at least 30 to 45 minutes, 4-5 days a week. Walking, biking, hiking, stair climbing and jogging are all great aerobic exercises.

Including strength training exercise such as squats, lunges, bicep curls and crunches will help you not only look nice and fit, but it will also boost your resting metabolic rate so you will burn fat even while you sleep. Just adding three pounds of muscle can boost your metabolic rate by seven percent, helping you burn an extra 150 calories daily; enough to shed up to 16 ponds of fat in one year.

For long-term results, exercise in the morning. Studies show that 75% of those who schedule their workouts in the morning are still on their program a year later, verse 25% who work out during the lunch hour or after work. Always start a new exercise regimen slowly (after first checking with your doctor).

Drink Water. Studies show that drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, is probably the single most important catalyst in losing weight. Drinking water helps in two ways. Drinking tons of water helps you feel full which means you eat less.

Drinking water is also the best way to prevent water retention. Increase your water intake by keeping a bottle of water handy at all times. For those who find drinking the recommended 8 glasses difficult, adding a little lemon juice should make it more palatable.

Start Eating Healthy. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains, will help you lose weight. Using a variety of spices can help to perk up low-fat, low calorie dishes and help your taste buds accept healthier alternatives. In fact studies show that anyone trying to lose a significant amount of weight needs to adopt a diet and exercise plan that they can maintain.

When eating out, avoid menu items that contain "hidden" fats. Try to avoid entrees, side dishes and appetizers that are described as creamed, au gratin, scalloped, en casserole, pan fried, basted, braised, stewed, marinated in oil or buttery. Always ask for gravies and salad dressing on the side. At home, if you stock your refrigerator with low-calorie, low-fat foods chances of choosing something healthy are high. Taking a closer look at what's inside you refrigerator is a simple way to make some healthy long-term changes.

Other related articles

Best Fragrances for Spring
Best Skincare Products for Spring
Best Personal Care Tools
What's New: Spring 2003 Make-up Trends
Best Weight Loss Plan for 2003
Celebrity Weight Loss - Lifestyles of the Fit and Famous
Weight Loss
Five Great Finds - Cosmetics
Winterize your skin
Ten Great Beauty Finds for Fall
Simple Skincare Tips
3 Secrets to getting in shape
Sun Protection

Promotional Links
Air Travel to Las Vegas - Hotel Discounts - Reserve A Rental Car Online - Vegas Vacations