The sights and sounds of summer are well and truly on their way. Long afternoons lazing in the park with friends, tank tops, shorts, and flirty dresses – don’t panic! Candice Turner offers some easy-to-adapt techniques to blast off those unwanted winter pounds and sail through the upcoming season fit and healthy.

Run Forrest Run!

It’s free, you can do it anywhere and it’s a great way to get fit! According to stats, around two million people run in London once a week or more, but that doesn’t necessarily include any of the 3.4 million people who run at the gym. Running is a great summer exercise, and unless you are training for a race, running two or three times a week, for 20 to 45 minutes, is more than enough. The most important thing to remember is to keep your brain and body interested (which is why running outside is a good thing). The bonus with running is that only two things matter: your shoes, and (if you’re a girl) your sports bra.

Fasting is the new Craze

In today’s age we eat way too much fat, way too much sugar, and way too much protein. In fact, we simply eat too much of everything. The way out of this dilemma is to occasionally consider fasting. A juice fast is a type of detox diet that involves the short-term intake of raw vegetable and fruit juice and water only. Proponents of juice fasting use juice because it’s thought to be a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. The fast typically lasts for one to three days, as a longer fast requires medical supervision and possibly monitoring to ensure that nutrient deficiencies don’t result. Proponents of juice fasting suggest fasting only during the warmer months of the year and spring is thought to be the best time of the year for juice fasting, giving your body a ‘spring clean’ so to say. Typical fruits and vegetables to blend and drink during the fast include celery, carrot, kale, cabbage, apple, pineapple, cranberry, spinach, and beet. It is recommended to avoid all citrus fruits as they are too high in acid.

The Green Mamba

There has been a lot of talk in Hollywood lately about Dr. Oz’s green drink, and celebs swear by it for its health benefits. Why not kick start your metabolism every morning with a refreshing smoothie consisting of:

* 2 cups of spinach
* 2 cups of cucumber
* 1 head of celery
* 1/2 inch or teaspoon ginger root
* 1 bunch parsley
* 2 apples
* Juice of 1 lime
* Juice of 1/2 lemon

Beat the Bulge

One problem area that many people face when trying to tone their body is a large posterior. We all want to look great in a pair of jeans in the summer, and though there are many weight loss supplements, pills, and other products available, there is nothing like diet and exercise to burn fat from the butt. By simply following a diet rich in fiber, lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grain products, and nuts, you will see the pounds melt away. To boost the loss, grab any opportunity to workout your butt. Leave the elevator, take the stairs, and walk down to get your paper or groceries, or dance in your living room. Whatever you do, just make sure you are burning calories!

Marvelous Milk

Milk is not only rich in calcium and good for strengthening your bones; it will also help you get back your figure. Studies indicate that individuals who enjoyed three servings of milk per day lost weight at a faster rate than those who didn’t include calcium as a fortified part of their diet regime. In addition, individuals who incorporated milk into their daily diet were able to maintain their weight more efficiently then those individuals who didn’t include milk.