Sexy Bikini Body Foods

Forget the latest tabloid diets and incorporate these six foods into your eating plan now for an ultra-desirable, beach-worthy bod. Each food group has an accompanying recipe to fill you up, keep you satisfied, and curb the need to cheat. Combined with a daily exercise routine, this sensible plan will help you lose pounds, get toned, and keep the weight off throughout the summer.

New research is showing a strong link between weight loss and lean protein (fish, chicken, lean beef and pork, low-fat dairy, and eggs). In fact, it's being suggested that a reduced-calorie diet that's rich in lean protein, combined with a regular exercise routine, can help curb your desire to eat, build muscle mass, decrease fat mass, and increase metabolism.

Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon with White Beans

The jury's still out on just how much water you need per day, but it's important to fill up on water because of its role in weight loss and appetite suppression. Water keeps the body looking lean by preventing fluid retention and, according to studies, helps the body metabolize stored fat. Fill up on foods with a high water content such as grapefruit, celery, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and strawberries. They are low in calories and take up lots of room in your tummy to keep you feeling full longer.

Recipe: Herb-Infused Spa Water

Load up on whole grains for a trimmer waistline this summer. The Harvard's Nurses' Health Study (a continuing study of thousands of nurses) found that women who consume more whole grains weigh less than those who don't. Another study found that whole-grain dieters significantly reduced their belly fat. Try oats, brown rice, bulgur, and barley–they're high in fiber to help slow digestion and keep you feeling full.

Recipe: Wild Rice and Barley Salad

"Lose weight by increasing your daily intake of non-starchy vegetables" has been the cry of dietitians for decades. And today, that message hasn't changed. These veggies aid in weight loss because you can fill up on them while taking in very few calories. Plus, most are loaded with fiber and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Try asparagus, onions, peppers, green beans, broccoli, leafy greens, squash, mushrooms, and okra.

Recipe: Green Beans with Roasted-Onion Vinaigrette

There's been a lot of buzz lately about dairy and its role in weight loss. Some studies suggest that a low-calorie diet that includes three servings of low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt help you lose more than the same diet without any dairy. However, other studies have found no effect. So, while the results are still uncertain, go ahead and add dairy to your diet and keep your fingers crossed that it also aids in your weight-loss quest. Plus, they're still a good source of calcium and vitamin D to help build strong bones and teeth.

Recipe: Blackberry Smoothie

Stay tuned for more research, but new studies are finding that green tea can help burn calories, lower cholesterol, increase metabolism, fight cancer, and regulate blood sugar. Enjoy this beneficial beverage hot or cold, or get creative and use it when cooking.

Recipe: Green Tea Granita