With hints of spring starting to flirt with us, I can't help but get inspired to get outside and hit the pavement again. I don’t know about you, but I am definitely feeling the effects of the ruthless winter that we all just experienced. My body is a unique mix of sluggish and stir crazy all rolled into one, so I feel extra inspired to make up for lost time and get back outside and start running to feel like me again. But exercise alone wont be enough, its time to start eating right too.

As someone who let exercise go by the wayside for well more than a decade of my life, I’m proud to say I picked up aggressive street running last year. When I began, I was badly out of shape. My body had felt the effects of 13 years of neglect. I knew I needed change and I needed it immediately.

With my first few efforts I was proud of making it half a mile. Most outings ended in a long walk back home, as I gasped for air and a reason to try again. But I was determined, and after just a half of a year of hard work, I ran in our local Freaky Friday 5K and finished in 27 minutes. I also bested myself by achieving a six and a half mile run to end the season, something that I never imagined I would be able to accomplish.

Running has made me feel great, but when the warm weather broke last week and 60 degrees finally arrived, I threw on my running shoes and hit the streets. Much to my dismay, I found that I had taken took more than a few steps backwards in my efforts. It was time for change and it has to start with my diet.

Food is my life and I show no discrimination to any size, shape or form of it. I of course have my favorites. I love it all, but sometimes the mood strikes you and you have to go for that juicy burger or extra slice of pizza even when you know you shouldn’t. As I joke sometimes, “It’s the calories, stupid."

That means dieting is simple: calories in and calories out. You can't stockpile them through the colder months and unearth a quick fix come spring. You’ve got to find the right balance. For those of us who lost our way from November to now, hers a few tips to help get you back on track.

First tip, sometimes it’s not what you eat, it's how much of it you eat. Instead of ripping the Band-Aid off and going straight to the starvation diet, just try eating less of what you like. Smaller portions really cut your calorie intake and when matched with proper diet can help get you trimmed up quick. Do this trick especially with breakfast and lunch and after some post-work gym time, you can forgive yourself for cheating a little come dinner time. This system works even better when you make sure you eat all three meals, skipping these smaller portions may result in overeating at other times.

Focus on the leaner cuts of meat and keep the fridge full of chicken and fish. Doing something as simple as no red meat for even a week or two helps. Try not to think of dieting as such a drastic thing. Every little bit helps, so set small goals and make sure you achieve them.

Just don’t buy butter, period. I use a lot of butter in my cooking, but after huffing and puffing my way to two miles the other day I haven’t bought it since. Try to keep the salt and sugar down as well. Simple awareness will help but its all for nothing without some exercise to match.

If you don’t have the time to cook, there are really great calorie-counting meals for sale out there. Buy them and try them, they are for sale all over East Providence and Shaws, Stop and Shop or any other grocery store. If you are in the mood to cook something that rocks and is amazing for your body to eat, try this Salmon dish. It's rich in healthy Omega 3s and vegetables that have  no added fat in it. And it's quick, delicious and easy to make:

Steamed Atlantic Salmon with Baby Vegetables

Yield: 2 Portions

Recipe Time: 15 minutes

12 oz. salmon filet
6 ea. organic baby carrots
½ ea. red bell pepper
6 ea. baby zucchini
10 ea. baby corn
6 ea. scallions
20 ea. snap peas
1 pinch sea salt
½ c. water 
¼ c. low sodium Teriyaki sauce
1/8 c. rice wine vinegar

Method: Place all ingredients in a cover pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve as is or with steamed white rice.

Dieting is mentally difficult, so don’t look at it as a mountain, climb the molehill first and keep at it. With motivation and inspiration, you will find great success.