Summer is in the air and many are now thinking how they can lose a few extra pounds to look good for summer. Summer is a great time not only to lose weight, but also to eat healthy. There are so many summer fruits that you will have your share of fruits to choose from.

Instead of snacking on unhealthy snacks, this is a great opportunity to get out there and start going crazy with your taste buds. Try new fruits you haven’t tried before, and fill up on some fruits that weren’t available during the winter months, like cantaloupe. Cantaloupe is a great fruit because it has a high water content and you will still need to keep your body hydrated during the summer months.

While you’re awake this summer, keep these great weight loss tips in mind:

o Do not skip breakfast. Don’t assume it’s nice outside, that you’ll just grab an apple and go. Take time to eat breakfast. Studies show that people who eat breakfast lose more weight than those who don’t eat breakfast. Get in the habit of eating a big breakfast, this will give you enough fuel to burn and will help you start your day and prevent you from constantly snacking before lunch. Have a fiber-loaded breakfast and go crazy adding fruit. Stay away from processed foods, eat healthy.

o This rule follows the first one. Do not let yourself go hungry, that is why it is so important to have a good breakfast. Eat at least every four hours, even if you have to split meals in half. You don’t have to try to stuff yourself attached to breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you split up your meals, you can eat and not add extra calories because you get the same serving of food, but you only get it in smaller sizes in a shorter amount of time.

o Watch your liquid calories. During summers, the days can get hot, but force yourself not to consume too many sodas, juices, store-bought shakes, coffee drinks, and sports drinks. These culprits can help with calories quickly and make you really gain weight.

o Watch your food intake. Eat from at least four of the major food categories. Your daily food intake should consist of some grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, nuts, low-fat dairy, or soy. Eating foods from these groups will ensure that you are eating a healthy and balanced diet. Adding bread, grains should be the core of each meal, and adding a protein just as an addition.

Even if you want to lose weight by summer, try to adopt gradual weight loss. Trying to lose weight too fast will be disastrous for you rather than beneficial. Rapid weight loss is not only unhealthy, but if you lose weight too quickly, you will most likely gain the weight back and could even gain more than you lost.