You bumped into a high school friend and she has invited you to attend to her wedding that will happen 5 months from now…

Though quiet excited for her, this invitation gave you cold sweats.

How can you fit into a sexy dress in five months? You began to panic and you thought that the only way to get into shape in just a short period of time is to ask for divine intervention.

Here’s some good news for you: Achieving your ideal weight in a span of five months is highly possible.

Simply follow these easy yet effective tips.

1. Set a goal

A popular quote by Fitzhugh Dodson says “Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination”

This quote is highly applicable when it comes to weight management. Once you made the decision to get into shape, your next question would be: What’s my ideal weight?

Set a goal so that your effort is measurable. Also, when setting a goal, make sure that it is attainable in a given period of time. Instead of setting one huge goal, make it smaller and increase it as you go along. Say, your goal for this week is to lose 3 pounds. Increase it to 5 pounds the next week until you have fully reached your ideal weight.

2. Exercise to trim and tone

If you want to fit into an old pair of jeans, you would need to establish a regular workout routine. Invest in exercises that would not only burn those extra calories but would also strengthen your core and give you a toned body.

One example of an exercise that will get you into shape in no time is the dip and crunch exercise. It targets your triceps, shoulders, oblique and abs.

Biking is also an excellent way of getting fit. It’s a good cardio exercise plus it’s an overall workout as it focuses on your arms, legs, hips, but and abs. You also get to enjoy the beautiful sceneries and fresh air.

Research first on the best exercise bikes for weight loss before buying one to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

3. Eat a balanced diet

You can’t just raid the fast-food restaurants for every meal and expect to lose weight effortlessly.

Compounded with an active lifestyle, eating a balanced diet will help you get to where you want to be when it comes to the weight department.

Have lots of fruit and vegetables every meal as they are low in calorie, plus they are a good source of fiber, protein and carbohydrates. You can eat as much broccoli as you want without feeling the guilt afterward.

4. Drink adequate fluids

Did you know that drinking fluids, particularly water, can help you lose weight?

Many people have developed the habit of drinking water after they wake up in the morning. This does not only refresh them but also kicks off their metabolism. Drinking plenty of water will also eliminate cravings and overeating. Before you dig on that plate, drink a glass of water first.

Also, lots of hunger cues are actually not hunger at all but thirst. If you feel hungry, drink a glass of water first before heading out to grab a cheeseburger. If your hunger fades, that means that you weren’t hungry in the first place.

5. Include strength training

Strength training does not only make you strong, but it’s also the easiest way of burning fats and building muscles. It helps you lose fat faster since you are burning more calories when you have more muscles.

Aside from a toned and healthy body, strength training also makes you healthier. It helps you build a strong heart, increases bone density, improves blood circulation, reduces blood pressure, improves cholesterol level, controls blood sugar and improves your coordination and balance.

6. Cut sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats from your diet

Getting into shape needs more focus and discipline. If you want to strut your toned body in a few months, you have to make a conscious decision to stay away from sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.

It’s hard initially but once you’ve established a healthy diet, your body will no longer crave for these unhealthy foods.

There’s no magic pill to get fit. It would need lots of determination, focus and discipline. Getting into shape for just a short period of time is not impossible at all. Apply these tips and you will be amazed at how to fit you have become.