Get bikini confident by summer!

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Don't waste another second stressing about sun 'n' sand season! We've got tried and true tips to help you tone up fast and feel fabulous about yourself in just a few weeks. Plus, we're serving up advice on how to conquer your most powerful cravings (hello, PMS!) and stick to your plan no matter what. Which way to the beach? This summer's gonna be sizzlin'!

WEEK 1

GET A CLEAN START

EATS When you sit down to nosh, think of this simple two-word phrase: Eat clean. That means lean meats, 100-percent whole wheat breads and pasta, snacks not soaking in sugar (fruits, veggies, nuts).

EXERCISE Experts say the trick is to find a workout you love, but having just one routine gets monotonous (how many times have you seen that Tae Bo DVD?). This week, try out three new things for 25 minutes. Swimming, yoga and boot camp anyone?

WEEK 2

SO LONG, IMPOSTORS!

EATS Get rid of healthy-but-not foods. You've seen these Big Macs in carrots clothing before--super-sized bagels and muffins, mall-stand smoothies and sweetened yogurts. Our portable picks? Whole wheat English muffins, fresh fruit-only cups and low-fat string cheese.

EXERCISE If you really wanna see results, the harsh truth is you have to up the ante. Start by replacing one easy day (walking the dog) with a serious sweat sesh. You'll get into a better, butt-kicking cycle.

want more?

Go to girlslife.com for easy-to-follow exercise how-tos, daily tips to get you going and the tell-all Healthy you journal. Log workouts, track your progress and see results way faster. Did we mention you're gonna have fun along the way? Get to girlslife.com now!

New to the Healthy You plan? Welcome, babe! Hit girlslife.com to sign up--you'll get fab newsletter, easy to-dos and loads of motivation. Each plan is eight weeks, so you can jump in any time! Add them up and it's an awesome new you in 2009.

WEEK 3

BULK UP YOU BOD

EATS You can't always control what your 'rents put on the dinner table. But, you do decide what gets gobbled. Start upping your intake of "bulky" foods--kale, cabbage, apples, broccoli. These fiber-filled eats will help you feel full and pass up the butter-soaked potatoes.

EXERCISE Increase each workout by 10 minutes or pop on another day. Add heft by including some light weights into your schedule. Strength training leads to better bone density, too.

WEEK 4

INCREASE EVERYTHING

EATS Start thinking about snacks as mini meals. So you wouldn't eat, say, ice cream for dinner, right?. Switch to combos like peanut butter on whole wheat toast and broccoli 'n' tomatoes eaten together (raw, with hummus) that pack a more powerful punch.

EXERCISE Got a big fitness goal? Try periodization. That means breaking your dream (finishing a 10K) into mini steps (separate goals for endurance, distance, speed) then work on a couple things at a time.

WEEK 5

RESULTS OR BUST

EATS Maybe your arms aren't as toned as you'd like or your butt just needs a boost. Find cardio that matches your mission (like boxing or running stairs at the football stadium) on girlslife.com.

EXERCISE Research shows exercising can make you eat more-even if you don't need all those extra cals (unfair, huh?). If you get the urge to splurge post-workout, hydrate with a big glass of water and eat a healthy carb/protein combo, like whole wheat pita and hummus.

WEEK 6

LOOK DOWN THE ROAD

EATS Consider eating well an investment in a healthy future. Need motivation? Start a success jar. Place a quarter in it every time you do something healthy. Over time, it adds up---same goes for healthy stuff.

EXERCISE Every time you hit the weights or go for a jog, you're improving your lungs, clearing your mind and helping your heart. You're not trying to be a swimsuit model. That said, be faithful to the plan, add one long exercise day this week. Your bod will thank you.

WEEK 7

NO SLACKING, SISTER!

EATS Healthy living is all about sucking with something that lasts--not starving yourself before you hit the beach on vacay next week. Strike a balance that works for you, occasional cupcake and all.

EXERCISE If you find yourself slipping, go back to the start. Take more walks with friends, cram in short workouts and vary your routine as much as possible. Research shows two 15-minute workouts is as effective as one half-hour stint. So don't be scared to break it up.

WEEK 8

FAKE YOUR FAVES

EATS After a couple months of eating well (go you, BTW!), you might miss a few of your old-school go-to eats. Skinny sweet potatoes (go to girlslife.com for the recipe) are a better burger bud than fries.

EXERCISE Ever had one of those workouts that totally moved with you? Girls who dig track can add sprinting to their normal jog. Love hiking? Find a nearby hill and test yourself to do some repeats. Pared-down versions of things you like can keep you motivated.