Maintaining one's ideal weight and staying in shape should be a year round lifestyle choice. But in the real world, this is not always an easy option. Jobs, stress, family, convenience and a hundred other things all conspire to lead you astray of your fitness goals. This seems to be especially true in the winter when cold weather, dreary days, seasonal depression and holiday feasts add ally with the other causes. Soon, the extra pounds are adding up and suddenly, spring arrives. Thought of sunny beaches and lazy days poolside soon enter one's thoughts. Panic sets in as the realization that swimsuit season is only a few weeks away. What is one to do. Here are seven steps to get you swimsuit ready.

Get Started

Start as early as possible. The sooner after the holiday season you begin, the more time will be on your side rather than against you. Weigh yourself and determine how much damage has been done (and how far you have to go). As a general rule, weigh yourself no more than once a week while dieting, and dont be discouraged when you dont see instant results.

Drink Water

Everyone knows water is good for you, but most people underestimate its potential as a weight loss aid. Burning fat requires large amounts of water, an if the water isn't available, metabolism slows down. Also, when the body senses dehydration, it begins to store water as a survival measure. Drink enough and the body begins to pass it freely, reducing water bloating.

Diet Smartly

Without mentioning any specific plans, high protein diets are quite effective. Both fat and carbohydrates contain many more calories than protein in the same portion. Carbohydrates also have a negative effect on metabolism for most people. The best bet is lean meat and lots of green vegetables for fiber. Vegetarians can substitute beans, nuts, etc. for the meat.

Cut Out the Garbage

Many people don't realize that their snacking is out of control. A few chips here, a soda there and soon those sugar calories are wreaking havoc on your metabolism. Keep a few healthy snacks around. One need not eat broccoli and carrots, though they are actually quite tasty. There a many palatable healthy alternatives. The problem is they aren't as convenient or as easy to find as their unhealthy relatives. The trick is to make sure you always have them on hand. You never know when the munchies are going to set in.

Sleep Well and Relax

Both lack of sleep and stress cause weight gain to to the bodies production of excess cortisol, the stress hormone. Stressed bodies are prepping for battle and begin to conserve energy in the form of stored fat. Keep your body rested and relaxed to avoid this natural stress response.

Exercise

No one wants to hear this one, but apart from a healthy diet it is the most critical step. Exercise doesn't have to be torture. If you are doing nothing right now, 10 minutes of exercise would be a major improvement. Anyone can find 10 minutes in their day to get up and move around. Start walking, do yoga, or just dance around like a maniac for a little while. Any of those are virtually painless and are much better than nothing.

Keep Your Goal in Sight

Weight loss isn't a sprint. It's a slug fest. You have to keep your goal foremost in your mind and live for minor victories. Follow the other 6 steps and you will improve daily. Stay motivated and by the time swimsuit weather arrives you will have earned the right to flaunt it.