Summer is near and it’s time to lose pounds for the pool. While you may be able to accomplish this by yourself, using the correct exercise routine, diet and supplements can give you that extra push to get into shape in time for your first beach outing.

When starting a weight loss plan, you need to determine how many calories you should be having a day. Online calculators abound that will let you input your height, weight, age, activity level and the amount you want to lose and will provide you the total calories you should eat each day. If you know the calories you should consume each day, it’s much easier to stay within the guidelines.

The simplest advice for those seeking to lose weight is this: first, set your goals and then determine how realistic they are for you. Many people, especially women, cling to an outdated body image rather than looking to achieve a weight that is best for their current health. Consequently, they set unrealistic goals and are often disappointed when those goals are not met. You should therefore think carefully about what weight is healthy for you now, at this point in your life, and work from there.

One simple way to help with weight loss is to invite an extra guest to the dinner plate. Simply adding an extra vegetable will introduce a low-calorie dinner partner that literally, takes up more space on the plate, adds variety in taste and texture and leaves you less room for the high-calorie foods. Of course, it also helps if you eat your veggies first, when they’re nice and hot.

Moderation is the key to successful weight loss. By setting realistic goals, such as a 1-2 pound loss weekly, eating a balanced diet of pure, whole foods, and drinking plenty of pure water, you will lose weight consistently, change your eating habits, attain your target weight and maintain it effortlessly.

Be mindful of what you love to eat. Folks tend to eat merely from habit, not based on what they love most. Enjoy each and every bite. When a restaurant does not prepare your food the right way, be sure you have it remade or instead order a different dish. If you’re unhappy with the food, there’s no rule that you must eat it. Health is the most important factor. You will lose weight if you carefully consider whether or not to eat what is in front of you. It should be a personal decision.

You must stay positive and start setting small goals every week. If your goals are reasonable and you put the effort into reaching them, you’ll soon start to see results. Then you just need to keep it off afterwords.