It's not so easy to stay fit during the summer. Although we want our best beach bodies possible, BBQs, the heat and other summer festivities get in the way of eating right and exercising regularly. I really didn't want to fall into the trap of gaining my summer weight again, so this summer I figured out some tips to stay healthy… for the most part.

Food

1. Make your own frozen treats

Ice cream and popsicles are a summer staple. But instead of buying the super-sugary treats from the store, making your own with fresh and frozen fruits. Here are some of my favorite recipes.

2. Utilize summer produce

Summer is a great time for fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit your local farmers market and you'll be inspired to create some amazing salad recipes, fresh fruit smoothies, and great healthy snacks.

3. Get grillin'

BBQs don't always mean unhealthy food! Throw chicken breasts and fresh veggies on the grill for a perfect summer dinner guilt-free.

4. Train yourself

See how much willpower you actually have and see how long you can stay away from unhealthy foods. Keep track of how often you eat processed foods, foods with high fat content, or sugary foods, and slowly begin to remove these foods from your regular diet. Substitute them with some of the ideas I've listed earlier, and you'll begin to see your dependencies on these foods vanish.

5. Stay hydrated

With all the heat, drinking extra water in the summer is a given. It also helps clear out your system, helps you maintain portion sizes, and refreshes you. Flavoring your water with fresh fruits adds great taste without unhealthy sugar.

6. Give in every once and a while

Summer is supposed to be fun, so don't spend the whole season as a health nut! Eat that cheeseburger, get that ice cream cone, make that s'more. Everything is fine in moderation, and as long as you're not doing it all the time, I fully endorse a cheat day.

Exercise

1. Get Outside!

Take advantage of the warm weather and exercise outside! Go for a run on the beach, take a hike in the woods, a swim in your pool, or just go for a walk in the sunshine. The warm weather and sunshine will make you forget you're even working out! Just be sure to remember some sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

2. Try something new

Summer is a great chance to take up a new exercise routine. Look into a new gym, change up your routine, or find a new work-out buddy. Bringing in a new season with some new moves will help refresh, recharge and motivate you for the new

3. Set goals for yourself

Plan what you want to achieve from your work out. Listing your ideas will help you decide what you want, and track your progress. It works even better if you write them down and go over them before you work out. That way you'll always have clear goals to think about while you exercise.

4. Have patience

Getting and maintaining the summer bod you want will take time, effort and determination. Not only does it require a physical commitment, but it also requires a mental and emotional one. If you don't see results immediately, don't give up. Keep at it and I guarantee you'll see what you want before the leaves change.

5. Bring some company

Since you're home for the summer, include all your home friends in your work out plan with you! You get to hang out and catch up, while motivating each other to reach your goals and keeping each other on track.

6. Treat yo' self

Although a lot of work goes into keeping yourself fit, don't make yourself go crazy over it. If you're just not feeling it one day, or would rather do something else, don't go work out. Summer is the time when you can afford to be a bit lazy, and not stick to a schedule.