Cassey Ho: 3 easy ways to get slim this spring

The world is waking up all around us as spring comes into full bloom. If you’re feeling like it’s time for a new you, too — like by losing weight or getting stronger — the way to do it is making small changes. Here are three ways to get started.

Drink more water

Replacing your higher-calorie drinks with water is the fastest and easiest way to effortless weight loss. Also, staying hydrated will help you feel less bloated since you need water to keep things in your intestinal tract flowing. If you don’t like plain water, try this recipe:

Natural Belly Slimming Detox Water

• 3-5 slices of fresh cucumber

• ½ small lemon, sliced

• ¼ of an orange, sliced

• Fresh mint leaves

• 24 oz. ice cold water

Why does this work?

Cucumbers prevent water retention and also have many anti-inflammatory properties.

The citric acid in lemon has a cleansing effect, helping to clear out the digestive system.

Oranges contain flavonoids in the peel and juice that stimulate the immune system while helping to lower cholesterol.

Mint helps the body digest more easily and also soothes any stomach cramps you may be experiencing.

Start your morning with this quick ab workout

5 Roll-Ups: Start with your back on the mat, feet forward and arms long behind you. Then slowly sit up tall. Control your roll back down until your back is fully on the mat again. This targets the entire core.

10 Ankle Reaches: Bring your legs straight up to the ceiling, feet pointed. Now crunch up and reach for your ankles. This targets the upper abs.

10 Leg Lifts: Lying on your back, place your hands behind the nape of your neck, elbows wide. Press your lower back into the mat and lift your abs up so that you’re in Pilates Stance. Now, lower both legs down as low as you can without lifting your back off the mat, then lift them back up. This targets the lower abs.

Find a workout that you love

Exercise should not feel like a chore. It should be something that you look forward to. And guess what? What works for one person may not work for

another. Whether it’s dance, yoga, Pilates, CrossFit or running, the workout that you look forward to is the one that will change your body. The less focused you are on the act of losing weight and the more focused you are on the activity, the easier and quicker those pounds will drop.

Watch Cassey’s videos at her YouTube channel Blogilates.