How to Slim Up This Spring

As the sun finally starts warming things up, the heavy coats and clothing layers come off. That's the easiest way to drop the winter weight. But seriously, with winter behind us, you can see people walking, cycling and running - which is the first rule in shedding the extra "winter coat," says fitness expert David Kirsch.

Here's how to rid yourself of the winter weight to feel your fittest this time of year.

1. Get your body moving.
Bumping up the cardio duration and intensity is a great way to shed pounds and melt fat. Try something new like boxing, spinning or even swimming.

2. Derail your diet.
Sweating it up is just part of the spring regimen. We tend to eat more comfort food (carbs) when it's cold. The farmers markets are loaded with lots of heart healthy, nutrient rich produce and greens now so load up on salads, steamed or lightly sautéed vegetables, fresh fish, and poultry.

3. Lay off the bread.
Follow the "C" in my A,B,C's - trying to avoid (or at least limit) processed carb consumption.

4. Make it a family event.
I know I've said it before, but as it warms up, take every opportunity to get outside and move your body. This afternoon I grabbed my daughters who were lounging on the sofa and we scootered around Madison Square Park for an hour. The three of us came back sweaty and exhausted. http://heidiklum.aol.com/category/fitness-and-nutrition/how-to-slim-up-this-spring/