Summer is just around the corner, which means nearly everyone is striving for that must-have beach body. Whether it’s cutting down on fast food or spending more time at the gym, many people want that perfect swimsuit physique. Everyone’s body is different, so a lot comes into consideration when figuring out a weight loss plan.

Losing weight or maintaining a healthy body is simple for some people because they’re constantly active or are already living a healthy life. For others though, getting in shape can be difficult. Having a low metabolism, being stressed or just simply not knowing how to begin losing weight can all have a negative effect on weight loss.

“Working out keeps my brain sharp, improves my mood, I sleep better, stress less and it gives me confidence.  People don’t realize how much being in shape can really help just about every aspect of their life,” physical education teacher Jill Carpenter said.

When beginning to lose weight, it’s important to plan out a workout regimen that works for them. Not everyone can just workout a few times a week and expect extreme results, but if both exercise and nutrition are managed correctly, positive changes will start to happen.

“The workout may have been really hard, but the sense of accomplishment I feel when it’s over makes it all worth it.  I know my quality of life is better because of my fitness level,” Carpenter said.

According to American Council on Exercise (ACE), workout programs or high intensity training like Crossfit is proven to show far better results than, for example, running on a treadmill.

“[Crossfit] involves some every day lifts along with some crazier things. Crossfit ‘boxes’ (that is what Crossfit calls ‘gyms’) are popping up all over the place. A lot of places have days where you can go for free to try it. Get out there and give it a shot if you want something a little different,” Carpenter said.

While working out is a good way to shed pounds, eating clean is always the root of a healthy lifestyle. Being around friends or walking passed the candy aisle in the grocery store makes a strict diet a lot more difficult, but according to the website Prevention, people just have to learn how to choose natural foods over processed foods for a good start.

Studies from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN) prove that eating a cheat meal once a week is actually beneficial; it boosts the body’s metabolism and gets rid of those cravings because avoiding processed and unhealthy foods completely isn’t possible.

“I don’t think anyone should deny themselves what they want when it comes to food.  Moderation is the key word.  I eat out once a week myself and I will get whatever it is that I want that day.  I’m also a candy addict, so see, nobody is perfect!  Just try to limit yourself so that you don’t ruin all that hard work you are putting in with your workouts,” Carpenter said.

There are always ways to make it easier to stay away from certain foods by taking time to replace the unhealthy choices with the healthier instead.

When people follow a strict workout plan and keep a balanced diet, they have nothing to lose (except maybe a few pounds.) A desired body takes time, but it can happen as long as consistency and hard work comes into play. Not only will one’s hard work and dedication pay off, but it can also help one develop healthier life long habits.

Working for that summer body will eventually lead to moving towards a figure to be proud of, even after the summer season is over.