Get That Sexy Bikini Body

Do you fear slipping into that bikini? Do you know that those boxes of pizza and cans of beer that piled up in the corner of your apartment all year will no longer find shelter under a sweatshirt? And with the dawn of summer upon us that means … yes you guessed it, diet and exercise. The two most feared words in a college student’s dictionary. But do not fear; this summer will be different; just wait and read.

I try to stay in shape at college, but diet and exercise take a backseat at the end of the semester when I so meticulously balance my time between finals and end of year parties. So, we must enter summer looking our worst at the time we want to look our best. Thus we embark on a drastic last minute heave to get in shape.

Why should you listen to me? Because you remember that kid who was on a first name basis with Joe the Good Humor man and wore t-shirts in the swimming pool. Well, that kid was me and this emotional scarring early in life created a 20 year old overly obsessed with nutrition and exercise.

So now its time to dive into what you must do to impress that prospective summer fling:

Be reasonable: Do french fries, pizza, or hot wings in any way sound healthy? If you want to get that summer body find an alternative: grilled over fried, salsa/hot sauce/mustard over mayo, yogurt over ice cream, Splenda over sugar, diet over soda, wheat over white, fruit over candy.

Stay motivated: Open any fitness magazine and you’ll find 10 exercise programs that work; the problem is actually doing it. Remember your end goal, results don’t appear over night but if you stick with a routine you’ll have your best looking summer yet.

Find a summer job where you move around: Life guard, camp counselor, or waitress. If you landed that perfect summer internship and have no time for the gym be sure to move around every hour or so, take the stairs, or go for a walk at lunch. Sitting at your desk all day is a great way to gain weight.

Know how many calories you use every day: Losing weight is simple, it is consuming less than you use. Everyone needs a different amount (guys, girls, ages, heights, weights); the average numbers thrown out there by most experts is 2500 for guys and 2000 for girls. For a more exact number log onto www.mypyramid.gov (yes this is the first and last government web site you will ever use) to get a free personalized profile. Remember that 3,500 extra calories=1 lb. of fat.

I’m sorry I have to do this: Cut back on your drinking. Partying every night and drinking alcohol will prevent any weight loss. Okay, I’m being unreasonable. Drink light beer, avoid flavored liquors (those pack extra calories) and mix with diet soda or crystal light. If you must go to the bar and drink, you better come back home with someone because sex is some of the best exercise you’ll find.

Follow this advice and I guarantee you’ll have a jaw dropping summer.