Summer is but a few months away, and panic mode has settled in around the globe.

"Why?" you ask. Because bikini weather is almost here and most of us still have our winter comfort weight hanging off our hips! It's time to get back in the gym and eat right so we can fit back into our summer best.



Here are a 5 simple secrets to ensure that every head turns when you strut down the beach in your newest and best bikini.



1. Eat within the first hour after waking



Your body is a very fickle machine. If it does not get nourishment as soon as possible, it starts to think that it needs to store energy. It is important to eat as close as possible to the time when first getting up,so the body knows it will have a constant supply of energy throughout the day from which it can draw.



2. Spice things up



Certain spices can work wonders for the metabolism. Cayenne pepper just happens to be one of those spices. If you want to try something different, think about adding Tabasco or some other hot sauce to your morning breakfast. Regardless, this type of spice will put your metabolism in overdrive right from the start and will keep that engine firing.



3. Stay active throughout the day



The reality of today's work force is that many of us spend the day flying a desk. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to extra pounds around the waistline. To avoid this becoming a problem, get up and stretch those legs during the day. When the rest of the staff gets up to grab a cigarette, take a quick walk around the block. Make it a point to do this a few times a day if possible to keep that blood flowing.



4. Eat six small meals a day



Your body needs to know it is getting a steady diet of calories to supply energy all day long. Most people need somewhere between 1,600 to 2,000 calories a day to maintain their weight. Don't gorge during mealtime.



Instead, keep all of your main meals right around 400 calories and then give yourself a 150 to 200 calorie snack in-between meals every day.



5. Watch your calories



There are various schools of thought on this one, but the reality of it is that if you monitor your calories and eat the right types of food, your weight will remain in control. Sites like MyFitnessPal are great tools to help monitor the daily caloric intake and ensure that no over-indulging takes place. Users can input their entire meal plan for the day first thing in the morning to make sure they are not going over their allotted calories. It even tracks exercise!



Follow these simple tips, and the pounds will start to come off before you know it. Of course, some extra time in the gym would also help too. It is never too early to start and summer will be here before any of us realise it.



Now there is only one thing left to do-shop for a new bikini!