Summer is here. It’s time to shed the extra layers of clothing you conveniently hid behind all winter long. How would you like to shed your unwanted winter pounds along with those layers of clothing? How would you like to feel a greater sense of peace and balance this summer? Let's look at how you can achieve these goals.

Like many, I bet you wish you could snap your fingers and watch your excess weight melt away. I don't just mean the excess weight you're carrying on your body. I'm talking about that excess weight you're lugging around that's also weighing you down in mind and spirit. We all have it. In our fast-paced, demanding world, it's hard not to have an accumulation of stuff weighing us down as we desperately scramble to get everything done on our daily TO-Do list.

With so much to DO, it's hard to find time to take proper care of ourselves. Trust me, I'm a busy person too with no more hours in a day than anybody else. The difference is I have found ways and systems to make it a regular part of my world. When I decided to shed my excess weight and find greater balance in my life, I had to take a stand and let go of my "poor me" attitude. The "poor me" who was so burdened by life's challenges, with so much to do and not enough hours in a day, and taking care of others. The "poor me" who was too lazy, tired, or unmotivated to get into a regular exercise routine.

Therefore, if you want to look and feel your best this summer, I encourage you to start by leaving behind the "poor me" attitude. Where has it gotten you? It has gotten you to exactly where you are. I know how stuck it can make you feel. I've been there. The only way to rise above it is to GET UP, LOOK UP and LIGHTEN UP.

Until you choose to get up instead of sitting still, until you choose to look up and forward instead of down and to the past, until you lighten up and stop walking under a dark cloud, then no matter what diet you go on, no matter how much you deprive yourself of your favourite foods, no matter how few calories you consume, or pills you take, or bars you eat, you will NOT have the lasting slimming success you crave. You may get fast results, but how long will you sustain it? Not long. It is unhealthy, unrealistic and is very short-sighted.

Here's what you can do instead:

Use the summer wisely. Stop hibernating and get out there. Get walking, take up tennis, go swimming. Go for a picnic or invite friends over for a barbecue and throw around a Frisbee or play a game of badminton or volleyball. It's great fun if you give it a try. Find some enjoyable activities you can do this summer that would get you moving, your heart pumping and your blood circulating. Get out of your head and into your body. Notice how it feels to be active. With a bit of time you'll notice that the activities get easier. Your muscles will strengthen. Your breathing will get easier. You'll be able to go for longer and faster. Challenge yourself. The pride you feel as a result will be something you'll want to feel again and again. Let that feeling be your constant motivation.

You'll want to stay well hydrated with lots of water and water-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't worry about the sugar in the fruits and vegetables. Don't worry about the calories. Ideally, the more fruits and vegetables you eat, the less you'll crave the unhealthy sugars. There's no need to go hungry to look and feel your best. If you're hungry, eat something. Just choose wisely.

Summer is also a time for greater alcohol consumption. Cold beer, wine and sugary icy wine coolers are a staple at most barbecues and summer outdoor functions. Be careful of your alcohol intake. Not only does it pack on extra calories, but it will also cloud your judgment in making healthier food choices. You’ll find that you don't need excessive sugar and alcohol to have fun. Be strong and stand your ground in the company of those who over-rely on alcohol and unhealthy foods for fun.

Remember that if you want to lighten up this summer then you need to GET UP, STAND UP and LOOK UP. Use the summer to set the course for the rest of the year. Get into healthy habits now that will last you a lifetime.

Roslyn Franken helps you create positive and lasting change to how you look and feel so you can live the healthy, balanced and fulfilled life you so desire. She is the author of The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living, host of the How to Thrive after 35 radio show and co-author of Death Can Wait: Stories from Cancer Survivors. Roslyn is an International Speaker and Consultant offering private telephone coaching and more. For a personal consultation and more information, visit www.roslynfranken.com.