by Lauren Hodges, Sunshima blog writer
Summertime is here and with it comes fresh air, fresh fruit, and freshly painted smiles on everyone’s faces as the weather warms up! As we enjoy the hot summer days, many of us start to experience a desire to eat heathier so that we can feel our absolute best, but we also don’t want to give up eating delicious foods! There is a way to have a healthy summer that is also a delicious summer packed with all of the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy and keep our cravings satisfied!
Consider switching to salads
Summertime is the prime season for swapping out those heavy sides for a lighter alternative such as a side salad. You could also make this salad a meal all on its own by increasing the portion size and adding in some of your favorite protein sources.
Salads are an easy way to fill your cravings while still remaining healthy and keeping your body satisfied because they are extremely customisable. You can make your salad savoury such as this Mediterranean salmon salad or take a sweet route by topping rocket or romaine with fresh berries or apples and a light and fruity cranberry dressing!
Increase your fruit intake
The summer is known for its ability to produce the most delicious fruits including strawberries, cherries, pineapple, kiwi, dragon fruit, bananas, mangoes, and more. These fruits can be added into your favourite savoury dishes, grilled, skewered, blended into a smoothie, or even baked into a delicious fruit tart for a healthy yet satisfying dessert!
If water intake is something you struggle with, consider flavoring your water with some of these fresh fruits as well. Strawberry kiwi water is filled with antioxidant and nutrients to help keep you hydrated and nourished!
One of the best ways to incorporate more fruit into your summer diet is actually by purchasing your favourite fruits, chopping them up, and having them ready to grab straight from the fridge with ease! Consider making a large fruit salad you can nibble on throughout the day or even making some fruit skewers for a cute BBQ appetizer!
Switch to cooking outdoors
Enjoy the nice weather while it lasts by having a BBQ! You can invite some friends and encourage everyone to bring a healthy summer dish or simply change up your personal cooking routine and grill up your favorite foods!
Some popular grilling options include fresh salmon filets, chicken kebabs, vegetable skewers, tofu sticks, even small steaks if that suits your taste buds! Barbequing is a quick, simple, and often healthier method of cooking simply because you are not cooking the food in an abundance of oil and clean-up is as breezy as the summer air!
Consider trying out some new marinades such as a chipotle lime or watermelon barbecue! Keep your flavourings light, fresh, and even homemade as this will help you control what you are putting into your body and keep you feeling your best throughout the summer! Eating healthy in the summertime does not have to mean sacrificing flavour, substance, or good food in general. Making a few healthy swaps such as a salad instead of a loaded baked potato or munching on fruit skewers will make a huge difference in how you feel. The summer months produce an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetable, most of which can be cooked on a barbecue (grilled pineapple anyone?). Take advantage of it and experience the most delicious summer you’ve had thus far!