The holiday season is over and I must admit I’m feeling a little depressed. No more presents, days off work or time with family. But what’s even more depressing for me is that I’m no longer allowed to eat cookies and skip the gym.

Yup- it’s come time for me to focus in on getting into pre-wedding shape!

With about 3 1/2 months to go until April 17, I’ve dedicated myself to eating right and working out at least four times a week to get myself into killer bridal shape.

I know what you’re thinking…”shut it you skinny girl! You don’t have to lose weight!” but my dress is preeeeetty tight and shows everything, so I’ve got to slim down a bit and tone up a lot.

So here’s the plan:

Nutrition

I’ve started the South Beach Diet, which cuts out carbs, sugar and starch and loads up on veggies, lean meats and low-fat dairy (I can’t give up my cheese!).

I did this diet for a bit this summer and saw great results- especially in the stomach area. The hardest part is the first couple weeks when you have to really strive to cut the sugar/carb habit.

Last night kicked things off with some brocoli cheddar soup, string cheese and sugar-free pudding.

Exercise

This part is going to be a bit tougher for me as I loath the gym and adore my couch. Luckily, my gym is literally across the street and I have my own personal trainer AKA Luke AKA Mr. fanatical workout man. =)

He’s introduced me to a pretty great workout routine from the book “Men’s Health Cardio Strength Training.”  It involves circuit training that kicks my butt and takes less than 30 minutes.

Essentially what you do for each work out is a series of 4-5 strength training exercises in a row to create a circuit. You do 8 reps of each exercise to complete one circuit, rest for two minutes, and then repeat the entire circuit two more times at 8 reps.

I’d highly recommend you check it out if you’re looking for a routine that gets you in and out of the gym quickly, but also returns results.

If you’re intimidated by weight lifting, just remember that with strength training you’re getting added calorie burning two ways:

• As your sore muscles recover, you burn an additional 25 percent of  your total calories burned, which you can’t get with cardio
•  For every 3 pounds of muscle you build, you’ll burn an extra 120 calories a day — just vegging — because muscle takes more energy to sustain

So that’s the plan- lose fat by eating right and tone up with strength training. I actually think I will stick to it pretty well considering I have my wedding and and a tight dress to motivate me.

What do you guys think? Can I stick to it? What nutrition/exercise plans work for you?