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If only there were a 'better body boot camp', we'd be there every February - before spring started to show itself and those lovely winter jackets had to come off.

Although this isn't a better body boot camp, we can offer you 5 practical steps to a better body.

Following these steps at your own pace will help you lose weight, get healthier and be ready for spring when those jackets come off!

Step#1: Drink Up!

You've heard it before: we should all be drinking at least 8-10 cups a day. But are you doing it?

Are you spacing your water out through the day?

Water will keep you filled up, energized and running efficiently. Lack of water can slow the metabolism and make you confuse thirst for hunger. If there's one step that's easy to make on the road to weight loss, it's to drink more water.

Step #2: Move, Move, Move

We all know we should probably log more minutes on the treadmill or elliptical machine. But what about building more exercise into your daily life?

What about taking the stairs at work or at the mall? Or taking five minutes to dance to your favorite song? Every little bit helps with weight loss so get out there and move!

Step #3: Eat Dessert

We love dessert. In fact, dessert is usually our favorite part of the meal. It's logical and natural to want something sweet to balance off that extra cheese lasagna or that chicken and broccoli casserole.

But what about having a bowl of sweet red strawberries instead of those brownies? What about sliced apples with cinnamon instead of chocolate chip cookies?

Look for ways to build in fruit for dessert instead of sugary snacks and you'll save a load of calories without feeling deprived of that sweet taste.

Step #4: Cut Down Where You Can

Ok, so you don't want to deny yourself the cheesecake or your favorite burger. You have to eat that birthday cake or sample your Aunt Mathilda's famous chicken pot pie.

But do you really need to finish it?

Start cutting back on portion sizes now, not denying yourself, but doing what you can - and you'll find it makes a big difference calorie-wise in the long run.

Step #5: Challenge Yourself

There are some days where the universe is with you. You can go without that chocolate bar, you can drinks lots of water and you actually want that salad for lunch.

Recognize these days for what they are - a chance to leap ahead in your weight loss goals and make up for the times you feel you've blown it.

Run with it for as long as you can. Challenge yourself to make the healthiest choices possible and soon you'll be feeling so good about these choices, you'll want to make more.

So there they are: 5 Steps Towards a Better Body. While you may not lose ten pounds in one week following these steps (on the other hand, you might...), they'll definitely get you started on the road to weight loss, without feeling deprived or hungry.