Follow our commandments and you'll be counting down the days to pool parties, afternoon barbeques and long days at the beach with excitement instead of dread. Repeat after us...
1. I will sneak at least half-an-hour of huffy-puffy into my daily routine.
Whether it's walking to school, playing sport during lunch or going for a ride after school, a little exercise each day will go a long way to looking trim and taut in that hot new bikini.
2. I will fill up on healthy snacks.
Swap sweets and chips for fresh fruit, chopped up vegetables like carrot and celery and raw un-salted nuts and seeds.
3. I will drink more water.
Soft-drinks sure taste great but they're packed with sugar and do zippo to keep you hydrated. Instead, sip on water and freshly-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. Remember, it's important to drink at least two litres of water a day.
4. I will devise a work-out play list for my iPod.
Upbeat tunes will get you off your butt and motivate you to work out harder. We recently added Crazy in Love by Beyonce, Gold Digger by Kanye West, Push It by Salt and Pepper and Do Something by Britney Spears. Try 'em, they really work!
5. I will embrace the outdoors.
The best thing about warm weather is being able to have fun with outdoor activities. On the weekends, gather your mates and head to the beach for fun beach games like volley ball or touch football. You'll have so much fun that you won't even notice that you're burning calories.
6. I will eat smaller meals, more often.
Don't you just hate all those girls who can eat what they want and not put on weight? Their secret is a high metabolism. Speed up your metabolism by eating more frequently, but in smaller portions. Try eating five or six smaller meals a day.
7. I will always fake bake.
A golden tan looks hot, the lobster look does not! Safeguard yourself from sunburn, peeling and skin cancer by applying fake tan and bronzers. The end result will be an even, natural looking tan without the harm of the sun.
8. I will make exercise a habit, not a chore.
Let's face it, most of us faced with the choice of sitting on the couch watching re-runs of The OC or getting out and going for a run would opt for the choice involving a Ryan and Seth perve-fest. But, making exercise a priority will put you on track to your best beach body.
9. I will have fun.
Always keep in mind that summer is supposed to be the backdrop to fun and happy memories. So try to let go of body issues and hang ups and try and see yourself through the eyes of someone else, like your best friend.
10. I will go easy on myself.
It's a known fact that we are all our own worst enemies. But what's the point of that? Who needs more enemies? Banish the though with our "I will love thy self" mantra. The first thing to do is accept that we are all built differently. As long as you eat right, exercise often and always strive to do your best, you will be healthy and happy.
