![167495576 Morning spinning](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/exercise-health.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
Summer is just about over, which means fewer distractions like vacations and barbecues to derail your fitness goals. Now is the perfect time to ramp your workouts into high gear and get that physique you have always wanted.
You’ll need to live by these 5 rules in the gym—and the kitchen!—to help reveal that lean body.
Get enough protein
Protein takes the most energy to digest: Between 20 and 30% of the calories in each gram of protein are burned during digestion, compared to 5-10% of the calories in carbohydrates. So if you eat 100 calories’ worth of protein, you’re left with 70 to 80 calories after digestion, versus 90 to 95 calories from carbs. It adds up fast and your waistline will thank you. Protein is also essential for repairing your muscles after workouts. Most women need between 50 and 60 grams per day, but it depends on your weight and activity level. Try this formula to figure out how much protein you need. So next time you’re thinking of snacking on those baked chips, grab a Greek yogurt or some string cheese instead.
QUIZ: Should You Eat This or That?
![84505234 Which is better for you: A 1/2 cup of ice cream or 3 scoops of sorbet?](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sorbet-icecream2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Answer: A 1/2 cup of ice cream](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/icecream.gif?w=2400&quality=75)
![84505234 Which is better for you: Real butter or spray on fake butter?](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/butter-pam2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Answer: Butter](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/butter.gif?w=2400&quality=75)
![172882192 Which is better for you: A sirloin burger or a turkey burger?](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sirloin-burger-turkey-burger1.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sirloin-burger.gif?w=2400&quality=75)
![84505234 Which is better for you: Almonds or pretzels?](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/almonds-pretzels.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Answer: Almonds](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/almonds-pretzels.gif?w=2400&quality=75)
![84505234 Which is better for you: Eggs or Special K?](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/egg-specialk2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Answer: Eggs](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/egg1.gif?w=2400&quality=75)
![84505234 84505234](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/salad-dressing.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Answer: Regular salad dressing](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/regular-salad-dressing.gif?w=2400&quality=75)
![84505234 Which is better for you: A low fat cookie or dark chocolate?](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/cookie-chocolate1.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Answer: Dark chocolate “People tend to believe fat free is calorie free,” says Keri Gans, a registered dietitian in New York City. “Go for the real thing.” Fat free cookies may be lower in fat, but higher in other ingredients like sugar. Try a nice piece of dark chocolate for those antioxidants.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/chocolate1.gif?w=2400&quality=75)
![84505234 Which is better for you: Low fat Greek yogurt or 100 calorie Yoplait yogurt?](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/yogurt2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Answer: Low fat Greek Yogurt](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/greek-yogurt2.gif?w=2400&quality=75)
Do more interval training
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: To get the most bang for your buck, high-intensity interval training is the way to go. It involves a mix of exercise types, like strength-training and cardio, with minimal rest between moves (like 15 to 30 seconds). Not only is it the most time-efficient workout style, it has been proven to burn more fat and calories than a traditional steady-state cardio workout. You’ll also continue to burn more calories and fat in the 24 hours after you finish—an added bonus. Aim to do interval training up to 3 times a week, but no more. Just like anything else too much of a good thing can backfire. You want to give your body ample time to recover. Try this 15-Minute Workout to Change Your Fat to Muscle.
Take photos and track progress
When you look in the mirror to try to see the effects of your workout routine, sometimes it can be hard to notice any results if you have nothing to compare it to. Take pictures throughout all the different stages of your workout and diet efforts so you have a benchmark. This will also help motivate you as you can see your body actively changing week to week. Think of this to push you through that last grinding round of intervals.
Lift heavier weights
To make sure you’re working your muscles to their fullest potential, try adding heavier weights to your workout once or twice a week. By switching up your routine and challenging your muscles with weights they’re not familiar with, they’ll be forced to work harder, change body composition, and increase your lean muscle mass. The more muscle you have the more calories you will burn throughout the day. So instead of grabbing your usual dumbbells, reach for the next heaviest weight, whether that’s 10 pounds, 12, 15, or more.
Get sporty
Sometimes we need a change from the routine, so make a game out of your next workout! Doing something like playing volleyball or soccer will get your blood flowing, muscles burning and you’ll be torching calories all while you’re having fun. Since sports have you running in all different directions you get a better cardio workout versus a linear cardio regimen on the treadmill. You don’t have to be good at sports to play them; just get out there and have a good time while toning your lean body.
This article originally appeared on Health.com.
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