With May officially upon us and the weather finally starting to brighten up, the summer is fast approaching and on the minds of pretty much everyone in some way, shape, or form.

1. Relax by the pool, beach, or lake in your favorite swimsuit

2. Enjoy ice cream on a hot day

3. Drink enough water

4. Go to barbecues & summer holiday parties

5. Eat outside

6. Roast marshmallows at a bonfire

7. Watch the sunset (or sunrise if you're a morning person)

Not the list you expected, huh? These are things that everyone does/can do during the summer.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret that's going to blow your mind. You already have a summer body. Just because the season's change does not mean you have to as well. The stigma that summer means the need to shape up is the biggest accomplishment of diet culture in the media today. It is merely a way to sell workout programs and diet products that surely aren't sustainable or as fast-working as they claim to be.

To have a summer body, all you need to do is be happy and embrace yourself just as you are. If you have goals surrounding your health and fitness, that is great! Make those year long goals instead of just around the summer months. Take care of your body the same way in the winter, as you do in the summer, and the fall, and the spring. Learn to love the body you have, and be thankful for all the great things it allows you to do; swim, enjoy yummy treats, walk along the water, see the sun rise or set, watch the stars shine on a clear night...

It's time we eliminate the term "summer body," so everyone can enjoy their summer the way they please.