To most people, summer means cookouts, trips to the beach, and long, hot days. Another idea closely associated with summer is the swim suit. We all know summer as “bikini season,” so are you taking the right actions to look and feel your best this summer? It all begins with putting the right foods into your body. Everyday our minds are polluted with “eat this, eat that” propaganda.

So what are the right things we should be eating? The answer is, everyone’s bodies are different and one diet and nutrition plan might work better for some and not others. However, there are certain foods that are best for all body types.

In the summer, we have to be aware of dehydration, sun exposure, vitamin deficiencies, and excessive snacking on those chips, ice cream and other delicious but deadly backyard cookout foods.

According to Woman’s Day, the foods that fight dehydration, skin sensitivities, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are watermelon, oranges, yogurt, celery, green tea, green leafy salads and berries.

Loading up on fiber, and foods bright in color (fruits and green leafy veggies) and staying away from the “white foods” (rice, potatoes, bread) is something that will keep you slim, fit, and energized this summer. Also, water is the best thing you can drink during the summer- and year round, it keeps the body hydrated and flushes out the system.

WebMD suggests if you’re trying to lose weight and look good in that tiny yellow polka dot bikini, chilled soups, watermelon, grilled veggies, salads, low/zero calories beverages and fruit based desserts are the way to go.

As far as exercise- one of the most popular summer time activities is swimming. Go for a swim with the kids and keep your body in motion (while remembering to apply plenty of SPF.) If home is near the beach, go for a walk or light jog on the hard sand early in the morning before it gets too hot and humid.

Gut health affects not only the immune system but other major organ systems as well, including the cardiovascular and neurological systems.

The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) is hosting a Gut, Brain, and Autoimmune Disorders: The Role of Food symposium in Los Angeles August 16-17, 2013. This two- day course will educate medical professionals on the relationship between food and disease manifestations and how to improve their patients’ well-being. To find out more information, visit a4m.com.