Slimming down in the summer is ever so much easier. The warm air is inviting, the sun is shining and you don't have to dress like an Eskimo just to get the mail. You want to show off your fresh pedicure and that sassy new pair of summer sandals, don't you? Fresh vegetables and fruits are beginning to ripen in your backyard garden. If you don't have a garden of your own, fruits and vegetables are always available in the produce section of your grocery store. You'll also find a colorful bounty of fresh organic produce at your local natural foods store.

Craving fresh fruits in the warmth of summer is only natural. We don't usually think of tomatoes as a fruit, but that's what they are. This nourishing food is full of nutrients, one of which is lycopene, which gives it that deep red color. Tomatoes are naturally full of antioxidants, which are great for fighting free radicals inside the body, thus keeping you healthy and energized. Lycopene is also responsible for the bright red and orange of fresh ripe peppers.

One of the best ways to start a diet is to learn a new snack recipe or try combining foods in a new way. Choose firm and bright orange, green and red peppers. Cut the stem off with a sharp kitchen knife. Clean the seeds out, and slice the pepper in half, then in long strips. Keep them on hand to eat instead of crackers or chips, for a refreshing, delicious-tasting snack that's good for you, plus, won't add pounds to your hips.

Dip your pepper slices in fresh hummus for a real treat. You might like to make this as a simple dinner or low-calorie, nutritious side dish. This middle eastern staple food is simple to make and will keep fresh when refrigerated. Open one can of garbanzo beans, rinse under fresh cold water and drain. In your blender, pour half the can of garbanzos with enough olive oil to allow it to blend into a wet liquidy mix. easily. Chop up a fresh organic garlic clove (or two). Toss in the remainder of the garbanzo beans, the chopped garlic, and blend. Sprinkle on salt and ground black pepper to taste.