Swimsuit season is here so it’s time to tone up, slim down and get ready for summer. Building lean muscle, burning fat and eating right is easier when you know what steps to take.

Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can provide long-term results, according to two experts from Curves, Nadia Rodman, director of nutrition, and Katie Mitchell, director of exercise. Here are six tips to get you started on the path to better health:

Tip #1 Make Over Your Breakfast: A higher protein breakfast turns up your satiety signal and helps you fight cravings throughout the day. Consider a parfait made with fresh fruit and low-fat Greek yogurt that can add as much as 30 grams of protein to your day. Try this easy recipe: Combine 1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup almonds, 1 cup strawberries and 1/2 cup blueberries or another favorite fruit.

Tip #2 Add Some Flavor to Your Water: Try flavoring your water naturally with fresh fruit and herbs, such as berries, orange slices, mint and lemon or lime slices. Simply fill a large pitcher with water or carbonated water, fruit, and/or herbs of your choice. Store in the refrigerator for about 3 hours. Pour water over ice and enjoy.

Tip #3 Keep Healthy Snacks Handy: Be prepared when a snack craving hits. Snacks packed with protein help keep your energy level even so you don’t hit a sugar low in the afternoon. Good options to keep handy or in a desk drawer include a handful of almonds, a piece of beef jerky or dried pumpkin seeds.

Tip #4 Add Strength Training: Be sure to incorporate resistance training into your exercise program. Resistance training helps build lean muscle, which builds your strength, creating a firm and toned appearance – plus it boosts your metabolism. Weight bearing exercise also helps build up bone density.

Tip #5 Add Cardiovascular Exercise: While resistance training helps us build lean muscle, cardio activity will strengthen your heart and burn body fat. Look for a workout that includes both strength training and cardio exercise, such as Curves. Also look for activities the whole family can enjoy, such as charitable walks or runs in your community.

Tip #6 Have a Coach: It helps to have a coach or workout buddy for accountability and motivation. It’s always more fun to work out with a partner and the added support will help keep you on track. Look for a gym or club that offers a coach that is hands-on and will meet with you on a regular basis.

To learn more about Curves Fitness and Curves Complete, visit www.curves.com.

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