The thought of summer can either be exciting or frightening. With vacation season around the corner, a hot topic among many is being “summer body” ready. Why is having a summer body so important anyway?

“Let’s keep it real, summer means less clothes,” said student Vanessa Zaragoza. “I cannot cover up with layers of clothes over the summer like I do in the winter.”

For many, it is not the season itself that brings the pressure to want a summer body. Although summer is the factor that motivates one, it has to do more with the interaction with other people and the plans for this season.

“To be honest, I am going on a trip and I want to look good in my bathing suit pictures,” said student Barbara Perez.

There is absolutely no problem with wanting to look ready for this hot weather season, aka bikini season. However, too often the desire to become lean for the summer may sometimes lead people to jump and take drastic measures, and expect rapid results.

It is important to recognize that fast results are not always the best way to go. Fad diets that “guarantee” a quick fix can end up backfiring in different ways such as quickly gaining the weight back, as well as an altered metabolism and nutritional deficiencies.

Although it may seem like a longer process, slow and steady is the way to go. Chances are giving habits rather than ‘temporary fixes’ a chance will benefit you for a lifetime.

The question for many now may be, how are these habits achieved?

It is important to recognize it will not be an easy journey, but it is definitely one worthwhile. The first thing to do is set goals. There is a lot of power in setting goals, setting a plan and sticking to it, no matter how long it will take to accomplish the goal.

Second, which is one of the most common things many people tend to forget is exercise and nutrition come hand in hand; One cannot be done without the other, but do not forget that healthy habits take time.

Old habits will not change overnight. Truth is, there are no shortcuts to health. No matter how much shortcuts are promoted. Trust the process and know that every effort, no matter how small it may seem, is leading to a better you. Not only will you feel it, but reflect it on the exterior.

“Exercise plus healthy eating habits have changed my life drastically,” said student Araceli Mendoza. “I am more confident and I feel comfortable in my body.”

And last but not least, not every day will be perfect. Some days will be easy, other days will be hard. The struggle is part of the process.

“What I struggle with the most is nutrition because I am always out and on the go. It is hard to control my cravings and honestly, sometimes I give in to those cravings. The truth is that it takes a lot of discipline to say no to things that I know are not beneficial to my specific goals,” said student Phi Lu.

The following are things to keep in mind while on this journey:

When setting a weight-related goal, always remember to be realistic. Do not focus in the big number. Rather, break it into different phases.

Focus on you and not your neighbor’s progress. Everybody is different. Whatever may work for one person, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you.

Celebrate your victories, no matter how small you may think they are.

And most importantly, whatever you do: do not give up.

The great news is that having a summer body is obtainable. Just remember, patience, persistence, hard work, and determination are key factors in achieving this goal. But do not focus only on those physical appearances. Strive to live a lifestyle that will make you not only look good, but feel good throughout your lifetime, not just for one season of the year.