How to get trim and slim for the summer

Whether it was a few extra pounds put on over the holidays or a New Year's resolution, there are a several steps to start taking now. Instead of turning to the latest fad diet that is likely to result in weight rebounds or health problems, consider the following ten diet and exercise tips to get trim and slim for the summer.

#10 Stubborn weight can be the result of accumulated environmental and dietary toxins. There are a number of detox products and programs to choose from. Do research, always read the ingredients, and experiment with a couple.

#9 Every healthy adult needs 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week. Since the key is regularity, choose a couple of exercise types that you really enjoy. Water aerobics, yoga, dancing and walking are only a few.

#8 If extra weight makes it difficult to exercise, it's okay to start with less. Anaerobic weight training can be used to build up lean muscle and increase the metabolism.

#7 Fatigue can be hard to overcome. Pre-workout supplements can help provide energy for the workout and speed up recovery times, by ensuring the body has what it needs to begin recovery immediately.

#6 An astonishing number of people suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Taking a multivitamin will help somewhat, but larger dosages may be needed to overcome deficiency. Ask your doctor about testing for common deficiencies.

#5 Every adult needs at least 6-8 8oz cups of water a day. Steer clear of the caffeinated beverages and those with sugar when hydrating. Pure water is best, as artificial ingredients may have unknown side effects.

#4 Though there are a lot of diet recommendations out there, epidemiological studies have shown that the best is eating a variety of foods high in dietary fiber.

#3 Start adding more herbs to the diet. Culinary herbs, especially fresh or used within one year of drying, are packed with valuable phytonutrients, many of which have not been studied.

#2 Living foods will maximize nutrient absorption, which cuts down on cravings. Homemade kefir and kombucha are easy and taste great when prepared properly. Yogurt is another option that is healthier when freshly made at home.

#1 Gardening offers a better diet and exercise in one activity. Look for weight-loss herbs and foods that provide quick snacks, like sugar snap peas. This is one of the best ways to get trim and slim for the summer.