Shape up for summer

Need motivation to help you stick to that look-great-by-summer plan? Who better to offer inspiration than the dedicated members of our diet and fitness message boards. They share tips, gritty weight-loss wisdom and disclose what really works for them

  • Getting Started
    I kick-start by ensuring I want to diet. I choose a positive phrase that I say every day -'I WILL lose 6lbs' - for instance. Basically, I cut down on fat and sugar, cook the foods I love and halve the portions. I have a small meal, a snack, or home-made juice about six times a day.
    jaybritt (Fitness Challenges)

    I have more than two stone to lose and didn't want to go through another summer desperately trying to hide the bumps and lumps. To kick-start my healthy eating regimen, I went on a two-day fast which I found in Detox for Health by Marie Helvin. I was amazed how quickly I lost the taste for sweet things. It's been two weeks since my detox and apart from three custard creams, I've been doing really well. I also eat little and often.
    mikduncan (Fitness Challenges)

    I went straight into the Weight Watchers diet and just cut down on the large amount of pepsi I consumed. I replaced the eight to 12 cans I drank a day with four litres of water. I wasn't too keen on water at first, but I have a water dispenser in my fridge that I keep topped up and now I absolutely love water. I find it fills me up so I'm not hungry.

    The most important thing is that you have to be ready and focused when starting a diet otherwise you're doomed from the start. It's a slow process and you need to be prepared for that.
    no1tam (Weight Watchers)

    I don't detox but I've started to focus on eating healthily in preparation for spring and summer. I don't follow a particular diet, I just try to cut out things like chocolate, cake and biscuits. I also try to eat fresh food, including vegetables, fruit, meat, nuts and to limit processed food. I cut out caffeine and sugary drinks as much as possible and drink lots of water.
    cl-glossygirl02 (Love Your Body)

    I have fasted and I lost a lot of weight. I basically lasted as long as I could, taking in as little as possible and went out socially in the evening. I don't feel hungry when I'm having fun. Generally, I focus on eating healthily, fill up on low calorie foods and cut out all wheat products.
    lawyer_chick (You Can Do It Diet Support)

  • The importance of exercise
    I run five times a week and walk everywhere if I can. I also row, which requires very intense training, and play hockey and netball. But I'm at university and have the luxury of a lot of free time. I would recommend walking to anyone who hates vigorous exercise. I'd also suggest giving running a try. It's free and it can be great fun. I built up from going for a five-minute run and returning absolutely out of breath to the 45-minute sessions I do now.
    lawyer_chick (You Can Do It Diet Support)

    My diet is usually more successful if I increase my activity so I walk more. It's easier at this time of year. I disappear into the woods with my two dogs twice a day for at least 30-60 minutes every time.
    jaybritt (Fitness Challenges)

    I walk to and from the station to work which is three quarters of a mile each way. I felt I needed more exercise so I joined the gym-free challenge.
    mikduncan (Fitness Challenges)

    I do cardio works out, toning, boxercise and Tae bo. Exercising gives me a boost. I really enjoy it and feel tons better for it. I think it's important to pick something you like otherwise you are not going to stick with it. It's also good to try different things.
    no1tam (WeightWatchers)

    I really recommend exercise, with or without dieting, to make you feel good about yourself and increase your self-confidence. At the moment I'm focusing on walking as I enjoy being outdoors.
    jam_2002 (Weight Watchers)

    If you want to be healthier and fitter, as well as slimmer, exercising is essential. I love swimming as I find it relaxing, it doesn't strain your muscles and tones you. I feel it has made my whole body stronger. I enjoy it and want to stick at it.
    cl-glossygirl02 (Love Your Body)

    I do yoga (I aim for three times a week). I swim three to three-and-a-half kilometres twice a week and go the gym two to three times a week for an hour and a half. I've been doing this for years and I've gradually worked up to these levels. I would recommend swimming and yoga as a combination to anyone.
    orlando99 (Yoga & Pilates)

  • Staying Motivated
    I set mini targets and treat myself when I reach each one. I keep saying my positive mantra and watch TV programmes dealing with diet and fitness to help me refocus. I also ask the kids to scrape their food scraps into the dog bowl so that I don't eat them.
    jaybritt (Fitness Challenges)

    I set mini goals of half a stone as my target weight is a long way off. With the support of the board I can do Weight Watchers at home. I don't need to go to the meetings so instead of paying someone £4.75 to weigh me, I put that money away each week towards a new wardrobe. I just take one day at a time and stay as focused as I can.
    no1tam

    I keep my motivation high by thinking about buying smaller-sized clothes when I'm slim, having more confidence and taking up a new, 'daring' activity like parachuting.
    jam_2002 (WeightWatchers)

    I arrange to go swimming with a friend so if I don't feel motivated to exercise I know I still have to go - I can't let her down. I regularly have treats like a few pieces of chocolate, a bowl of custard or anything else as a reward for all my hard work.
    cl-glossygirl02 (Love Your Body)

    I set myself weight loss targets of half a stone. My reward is the thought of getting into clothes that don't fit me at the moment.
    cl-gillian_pri (Do It Yourself Diet Support)

    Swimming is my first love and taking part in charity swimming events keeps me committed. Once I've signed up for a swimming event I know I have to see it through, as I don't want to disappoint sponsors.
    orlando99 (Yoga & Pilates)

  • Personal Goals
    Just the thought of myself in a fitted T-shirt and jeans with no bulges works for me.
    lawyer_chick (You Can Do It Diet Support)

    I would like to be able to wear jeans without flesh oozing over the top, or a vest top without flabby arms. I would love to look like a trendy young mum for my daughter.
    jaybritt (Fitness Challenges)

    I want to fit into a pair of jeans I used to be able to get into but can't now. I'd also like to be more confident. I see a slimmer, confident me who is not afraid of anything and wants to take on the world and live life to the full. I believe that if you want something enough - and I do - you will succeed.
    no1tam (Weight Watchers)

    Seeing myself in jeans or trousers with no flabby bits hanging over.
    gillian_pri (You Can Do It Diet Support)

    I want to look good in everything - but particularly in jeans and cropped, tight tops.
    orlando99 (Yoga & Pilates)

    Feel ready to start that diet? You'll find lots more inspiration, diet tips and support on the You Can do It Diet Support message board.