Bathing Suit Models' Diet Tips

It's hard enough to deal with bathing suit season when it's just you, the dressing room and the dressing room mirror. Imagine what it would be like if bathing suit season lasted all year long — and the dressing room was a studio, and the dressing room mirror was a crowd of art directors, photographers, makeup artists, stylists and assistants. Can we get an "ack!"?

With summer in full swing, we turned to the pros — women who make their livings in bikinis — for insider tips on what to eat (and what to avoid) if you want to get slim and stay that way. Good news: Treats are allowed!

Eat: Greens

"I love lettuce," raves Rachel M., a 19-year-old Berlin native who's appeared in the pages of Aruba Swim Model. "It's crispy and has wet in it, so refreshing on hot days."

Don't Eat: Peanut Butter

"When I came to America, when I was first discovered, I discovered peanut butter," Russian beauty Karina G. confesses. The 18-year-old admits that "At first, I ate a spoonful — or two! — several times a week. One of my roommates finally told me I looked fat." Karina kicked her nutty habit "and I am so happy."

Eat: Coffee

"I do have coffee," reveals Katy H., a Canadian newcomer who's landed on the cover of edgy mags like Wear: Swim and StyleFynd. "I put three Splendas and a tablespoon of milk — two percent, not skim. You have to let yourself indulge." Sounds good to us!

Don't Eat: White Rice

"My mother is Japanese," explains Tara S., the 17-year-old phenom who's become a muse to legendary swimwear designer Tobe Matteo. "Thanks to her, I have an exotic look. But every time I go home there's a pot of white rice. That's a pot of pure carbs." Instead, Tara says, she eats her mom's home-cooked meals with a side of crushed ice, which has the added benefit of hydration.

Photo by Catherine Ledner/Taxi/Getty Images