Getting your flesh out on the beach is often a nervy occasion when we go abroad. I must admit, I still get nervous even after losing five stone. If you are going on your holidays in the next few months, here five top tips to help you get in shape in Summer and beyond! (I don't do quick fixes) 1) Meal frequency, one of the biggest challenges that people face is getting the right amount of food at the right times. Skipping breakfast, huge evening meals and late night snacking can easily scupper any weight loss plan. Try and adopt a largest to smallest approach with your meals. Breakfast being the biggest going down to the evening meal.

2) Not eating enough. This is common, eating less doesn't always mean that you will lose weight. Foods like low sugar fruit and vegetables are low in calories so you can really go to town on portions. Make sure every meal is dense with vegetables and make sure you are satisfied.

3) Start exercising. In terms of exercise, it doesn't start with a marathon or a power lift, start building small habits and go from there. If that is a walk round the block then so be it.

4) Review current exercise. Lets put it this way, if you are finding what you are currently doing easy, you may need to crank it up a notch. Sweat, being out of breath and muscle soreness (not pain) are good indications of a proper workout. To ensure safety consult a professional for advice.

5) Sleep! Sleep is important for numerous reasons, in terms of losing weight, lack of sleep can cause fatigue which normally leads to sugar and stimulant cravings. Sugar means more sugar and the spiral continues!

One point I would make is that if you are planning to lose weight for a holiday, this is a great but think about when you come back. Short term goals are brilliant for getting you going but you have the rest of your life to live as well remember. I hope with the above tactics, you can build some habits for life which will mean you don't have the same problem next year when holiday time rolls around again!

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here