The warm weather is here, bikinis have been on the racks for a few weeks now, and tanning salons are getting booked. Summer is approaching and we’re ready to rock the beach! Or at least almost ready to rock…we just need to lose those last five to 10 pounds. But we’ve all got so much going on that it’s become nearly impossible to hit the gym on a regular basis.

What are we to do? Aside from undergoing a cosmetic procedure – liposuction or tummy tuck surgery – there are many diets that we could try, including the “Five Bite Diet” that Dre and Jana are currently doing, but there are also other ways to lose the weight: diet pills. Or as some companies like to call them “dietary supplements.”

I’ll admit that in an attempt to drop a few pounds the easy way I did try a couple of different brands some years back. However, I failed to do as the bottle stated, which was to eat a sensible diet, exercise, and take the pills as supplements.

Many diets pills claim to help us lose weight quickly and easily, but they don’t bother to reveal all the negative side effects that they also bring along. Saying that we should consult with a physician prior to taking them is hardly enough warning that they may not be safe for us to use.

These supplements can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, anxiety or nervousness, heart problems, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even death if not monitored correctly. Are the risks worth the possibility of losing a few pounds?

Living in Southern California requires a beach ready bod and I’m determined to get into shape. Instead of trying to cheat with diet pills, I’ve started eating healthier and I’m working on incorporating more activities…soon. In the last month, I’ve already dropped eight pounds!

What do you do to get in shape for the beach? I’d love to get some fun ideas!

Photo Credit: Sheep Chronicles