Getting in shape is much like walking down the street in a sexy pair of stilettos: It might be a bit uncomfortable, you may stumble a few times, but in the end you’ll look amazing and feel great about yourself.

I've discovered an idiot proof method to getting in shape without sacrificing all of your precious time. It worked for me and my friend Liv, and I'm sure it will work for you too!

Part 1: First things first, eating habits are everything (I hate the word diet!). Most experts agree eating 5-6 times a day helps speed up your metabolism. This means, eating smaller, healthier portions. For example:

7:00 am (Breakfast) 10:00am (Snack) 1:00 pm (lunch) 4:00 pm (healthy shake) 7:00 pm (dinner)

Food doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this simple program 6 days out of the week. Eat one quality source of protein, one good carbohydrate, and one portion of vegetables with every meal. Lay off the butter, and then research to find out the healthiest way to eat each food. Each food portion should be about as big as your fist and combine them to create a healthy, nutritious, and fulfilling meal.

So this is your eating plan for 6 days a week. What about the 7th day???

Pick one day to be your cheating day. Eat a piece of cheesecake, or a whole cake (don’t worry, you wont be able to). This is your reward for being good all week!

Part 2: Exercise If you’re a busy woman like most of us, you don’t have 6 days to devote to training in a gym. Fine! Cut that in half by training in the gym only 3 days a week. Follow this plan:

Week A - Ideally cardio is done in the morning before breakfast (this will accelerate fat loss). Monday: 20 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight training on upper body. Tuesday: Wake up and do 20 minutes of cardio before breakfast. Wednesday: 20 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of weight training your lower body Thursday: 20 minutes of cardio. Friday: wake up with 20 minutes of cardio, weight train what you trained on Monday.

Week B Ideally cardio is done in the morning before breakfast (this will accelerate fat loss).

Monday: 20 minutes morning cardio. Do the opposite muscle group that you did last Monday. You will start with lower body this week

Tuesday: 20 minutes morning cardio

Wednesday: 20 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of weight training upper body

Thursday: 20 minutes morning cardio

Friday: 20 minutes morning cardio, 30 minutes weight training lower body.

Alternate each week between plan A and plan B. The only difference in the two is that you will begin with upper body one week and the next week you’ll begin with lower body. You can find plenty of exercises to work upper and lower body on bodybuilding.com.

In just 12 short weeks you will definitely see and feel a MAJOR difference in your body. Remember to eat healthy meals? If you fall off the wagon don’t freak out, jump right back on with the next meal. Remember to allow one day between each weight training session to fully rest.

*As with any exercise regiment contact your physician before beginning.*

Good luck and stay motivated!-