If you woke up this morning, looked out your window, and got that sinking feeling' you're not alone! That sound you heard across the nation was the collective sighs of women who looked outside and realized that, yes, spring is here, and no, they are NOT ready for the bikini season that's right around the corner!

So if you were one of the thousands of women across the country who suddenly felt compelled to put down that chocolate bar, choose soy milk in their next latte, and put on their jogging shoes ' you're not alone! However, if you're like most women, you probably can already hear that little voice inside your head telling you it's too hard, you'll never get in shape, and there's no way you can stick to a diet when ice cream season is just beginning!

Step One: Don't Panic! There are some easy ways to get around that feeling of despair, but you have to be determined to stick to your plan. You don't need a crash diet, but you do need to exercise that little muscle called 'self-control'. So, grab your jogging pants, pick up your will to get in shape, and use these tips to go conquer the world (and your waistline)!

Make a Food Plan and Stick to It!

As strange as it might seem, why not make yourself a detailed food plan at the beginning of your 'get fit' quest? While you might have the best of intentions, it's a whole lot easier to stick to the plan if you have it down in writing, staring you in the face every time you open the fridge. List your meals, take a trip to the store and have fun choosing healthy snacks, then stock them every place you might get a food craving: the office, your car, the tv room. Place them in individual containers so that you know how much you're eating at one time, and you'll be less tempted to keep snacking.

Use the Buddy System!

Once you've got the determination to get in shape, find a friend who has a similar goal as you and work on it together. It's a whole lot easier to keep at a fitness regimen if you have someone else there to support you and help you through those Ben and Jerry's cravings. Talk about how much you've accomplished on a weekly basis, and if you're really feeling adventurous, try making weekly contests with each other ' who can run the most miles, who stuck to their meal plan, and so on. Make it fun, but take your goals seriously.

Once you have your diet planned out, your goals established, and a buddy to take the plunge with you, use these next few tips to help keep yourself on task!

Be Realistic

Yes, you've set some long-term goals for getting in shape, but there's no way you're going to lose 30 pounds in one week. Don't think about it that way, or else you're going to discourage yourself and lose sight of the finish line. Shoot for 3 pounds a week, and tell yourself you're going to be able to run three extra miles each day by the end of the month. You'll feel a lot better about yourself when you reach these smaller accomplishments that are really just gradual steps toward achieving your larger goal.

Reward Yourself and Each Other

What will you do if you accomplish your goal? Head to the beach in Florida to show off your new figure? Why not! It's always easier to reach the finish line when there's some incentive to get there, so dream up something fantastic and make it your end goal. However, you should also give yourself some smaller incentives along the way ' maybe go shopping for a new shirt or some shoes when you reach each mini-goal. After all, when it's all said and done, you're going to need some new clothes to show off your fabulously healthy body!

Most of all, keep your head up even on the days you don't feel so hot, or if you accidentally fall off the wagon and devour that bag of cookies. Tell yourself you're worth it, and believe it! Just keep at it, give it your best shot, and before you know it ' you'll be at the finish line.