The Best Foods to Eat for a Bikini Body

SHAPE magazine

Eat these foods to stay svelte, beat bloat, and feel great in your swimsuit all summer long!

Leafy greens
Leafy greens

1. Leafy greens: "Not only are leafy greens a great way to add volume to your meals without the calories, but they are chock full of nutrients (vitamins A, C, K, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber) and easy to incorporate into your day," says Mary Dinehart-Perry, a registered dietitian and clinical trials director for Zone Labs, Inc. She recommends swapping out iceberg for spinach in your salads, adding mustard greens or collards to your soups, or dishing up a side of sautéed kale to fill up, fight disease, and look fab in your bikini.






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Peppermint
Peppermint

2. Peppermint: "Peppermint works to reduce bloating and indigestion and soothe the GI tract all around," says Rachel Berman, registered dietitian and Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com. Try mixing up some iced peppermint tea or add a few mint leaves to your water.












Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers

3. Red bell peppers: "This beautifully colored vegetable is bursting with antioxidants (especially vitamin C and beta-carotene) to help your body fight off infections," says Margaux J. Rathbun, a certified nutritional therapy practitioner and creator of nutrition website Authentic Self Wellness. "They are also stimulating for the digestive system and have been shown to be metabolism-boosters, helping you to lose unwanted pounds. They are perfect for dieters when eaten raw or prepared in a juice concoction."








Salmon
Salmon

4. Salmon: "Salmon is naturally low in calories, saturated fat, and sodium and a good source of protein; what really makes it stand out is its omega-3 fatty acid content," Dinehart-Perry says. "Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are becoming increasingly popular for their anti-inflammatory benefits."










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Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt

5. Greek yogurt: Just one 6-ounce container of plain Greek yogurt has 0g fat and 18g protein, plus it contains probiotics and supplies 20 percent of your calcium needs, Dinehart-Perry says. Unlike other yogurt brands (which can be packed with sugar), Greek yogurt works for gluten-free, vegetarian, or diabetic dietary needs, and even those with lactose intolerance may be able tolerate yogurt better than milk. Can't handle it plain? Add some fresh fruit or turn it into a healthy parfait.






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