It is the time of the year again we begin to realize there are just a few more months to go before we sprawl out on a beach towel, basking in the glorious sunshine. The thought of boating, beaches and barbeques are exciting, but they don't erase the fact that there are only a few more months to figure out how to shed the unwanted pounds put on throughout the long, cold winter. Don't be the one going swimming in a T-shirt this summer.

Most people gain weight over the winter because they don’t have to expose their bodies. People tend to eat more and exercise less, using the bad weather as an excuse to curl up on the couch when not at work or at school. Despite their knowledge, people still find themselves in the same position each spring, desperately searching for motivation to get in shape before the inevitable skin-baring season of summer begins.

There is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to health, but there are many ways to lose weight and get healthier without making major sacrifices / lifestyle changes.

Tips on how to get a bikini-ready body

· A healthy and nutritious diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are important in a healthy and nutritious diet, especially for people who are hoping to drop a few pounds. The nutritional value is high and the caloric value is low, meaning large portions can be eaten while still trimming the waistline. Enjoy at least three to five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day.

· Keeping a food journal. This is also important when it comes to weight loss. Keeping track of each and every piece of food eaten in a day, actually holds people accountable for what they are putting in their bodies. For many, this technique provides a necessary wake up call. It's easy to shrug off a piece of chocolate here and a bag of chips there, but when it's getting tracked, the likelihood of following through on eating a naughty treat is lowered. The journal won't lie and it won't turn a blind eye, so if losing weight before summer is a priority, get tracking!

· Get outside and increase physical activity.
The great thing about summer is the warm weather and the long hours of daylight make it easy to get outside and engage in physical activities like walking, jogging, swimming, biking and hiking.

· Work out regularly to get in shape. Eating healthy is 80% responsible for losing weight and transforming the body. However, a person can’t get a bikini ready body without a fitness routine. Most fitness professionals recommend people work out at least three to five times per week doing a combination of weight training and cardio training to loose pounds.

· Group exercise.
This is a great social way to get in shape and get some motivation / inspiration from others who share similar goals. There are plenty of fitness clubs and group exercise programs accessible in the UK.