How can I keep my figure this summer? It's THE question on everyone's mind before the holidays. Men wonder how to lose unsightly belly fat and women focus more on their buttocks. Everyone wants to look their best on the beach and attract positive attention to their physique.

DIETARY GOALS AND COMPROMISES

The big problem is that this question tends to be asked in June when it should have been asked in September of the previous year. Losing fat takes time, and overdoing it usually comes at a high price.

So what should you do? Do you want to live like a monk and never have another craving for ice cream or pizza? No, I think the best method is always a compromise between a strict lifestyle and a few deviations.

Once you've decided to reach a particular body target, you can't deviate from your diet. Once you've reached that target, you need to start managing: You can deviate, but you need to set yourself a weight that you don't want to go over and beyond which you go back on the strict diet. In this way, you can indulge in culinary pleasures and still enjoy the body you want to have.

Hire a diet coach

If, by any chance, you haven't got round to it in time and you're in a hurry, all you have to do is assess a reasonable target and turn to a diet coach. If he's honest, he'll tell you whether your goal is achievable and how much effort it will cost you. The higher your goal, the greater the effort required, of course. If you don't have the courage to take up sport or go on a strict diet, you can always try to limit the damage by cutting out anything fatty or sugary. That's a start.

Don't be fooled by miracle diets, they don't exist! If they do exist in the press before the holidays, we wonder why every year they are so different but still miraculous! Stop deluding yourself! The muscular guy on TV demonstrating a device that's supposed to give you back your figure has never actually used it. He didn't achieve his dream body by doing 10 minutes of relaxed sport a day, it was years of intensive training that gave him that result.The same goes for the gorgeous model who eats her yoghurt. You can always try to eat kilos of yoghurt, but you'll never be like her... Similarly, you won't lose the fat you've accumulated from your excesses with a snap of your fingers or with Dr Mabuse's latest invention. It's only your willpower and effort that will get you there. However, you should be aware that some people will be able to enjoy mojitos and ice cream galore without gaining an ounce of fat, it's unfair but if you've already accumulated fat during the year, you're not going to suddenly change just because you're going out in the sun.

and if I'm on holiday?

When you're on holiday, if you want to enjoy some of the culinary benefits of your holiday region, be reasonable about the quantity and alcohol. Also, take the opportunity to do a bit more sport than you would during the year - different sports, perhaps? You'll still be burning the wrong calories... If you're going all-in, don't think that you have to clear out the buffet or take part in every aperitif just because it's free. Instead, take advantage of the fresh fruit and vegetables on offer. If, despite this, you're tempted by fattier dishes, don't hesitate to take a jar of chitosan with you. It mixes with the fat in your stomach and prevents it from being absorbed by the body. Of course, the fatter you eat, the more you'll need... If it's sugar you're after, chromium might just keep you from giving in. Maybe, because if you don't think you're going to resist, there's no product in the world that can stop you.Whatever the case, it's always better for your health to remain reasonable all year round... But are holidays the time to be reasonable...? ? As long as you feel ready to make up for the damage after the holidays...