As summer is approaching it might be a good idea to start preparing your healthy eating plan ahead of time. Even though food like stews, soup and hot chocolate made you feel comfortable and loved this winter, it is time to shed those blankets and start eating to feel sexy.
In the Summer months it is very important to stay hydrated. Your body needs to stay cool during the heatwaves and high temperatures. When your body temperature is too high you might suffer from exhaustion, irritability, sleep problems as well as dehydration. Apart from eating food with a high water content it is also advised to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
Let us look at some of the great food choices you can make this summer:
Fruit and Yogurt
Fruit and yogurt is an ideal breakfast choice for the summer time. Not only is fruit high in water content, but yogurt also helps to protect your body against food poisoning- which can easily occur when the temperatures are too high to keep food fresh. Some fruits and yogurt are low GI releasing energy into your body throughout the day.
Tomatoes
Hopefully most people have realized the importance of sunscreen as defense against the sun in the summer months. But did you know that tomatoes can help with the protection? Lycopene in tomatoes is the carotenoid that gives tomatoes it’s red color and protects us against sunburn.
Tzatziki
This Greek yogurt dip is so easy to make, and its content is almost 97% water. The yogurt and cucumber mix can be used as a spread on crackers or added to a spicy dish.
Watermelon
The fruity colorful watermelon is probably one of the fruits most associated with summer months. Watermelons are 92% water, so apart from its sweet fruity taste, you will be hydrating your body in the hottest months of the year. Another benefit of this pink and green fruit is the low calorie count. Eat away and watch your waistline slim down.
Iced tea
It is time to put the calorie filled hot chocolate away and reach for a healthy iced tea. Drinking tea on a regular basis will decrease your chances of getting Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Tea is also rich in antioxidants and aids in healthy gums and stronger bones. You can buy iced tea with non-nutritive sugars or even make your own at home. Add a slice of lemon and enjoy this refreshing summer drink.
Berries
When you are making smoothies, use the freshest produce you can find. In the summer months your farmers market will be stocked on various berries. Add them to your porridge in the morning, or combine them with your summer salads. Strawberries and balsamic vinegar go great together in a fresh summer salad. Berries are high in antioxidants and will give you the added natural sugar you might be needing.
Grilled Vegetables
Even though summer is like a synonym for fruit, don’t neglect your vegetables. In the summer time you can make cold vegetable salads or just grill your favorite vegetables. Stock your fridge with bell peppers, onions, zucchini, carrots, eggplant and garlic. These are perfect for oven roast or grilled dishes and go very well with cheese.
Basil and Mint
These herbs really add a touch of freshness to your summer dish. Even though these herbs don’t cool down the body, it tastes cool and light on the tongue and adds load of flavor to a dish. If you love pasta salads combine basil to give it a summer feel. Basil Pesto is ideal with pasta and pizza but also great as a summer salad dressing.
These 8 must have sexy summer foods will help you feel energized and ready to take on the summer sun. Treat your body well and make sure you get in daily exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
When you are preparing your seasonal recipes make sure to find out what is in season. These products and items will be the cheapest and freshest because they are in stock. Make sure your fridge is stocked with all these ingredients that summer has to offer, and you will be eating your way to health in no time.
This is a guest post by Victoria Abrams. Occasional guest blogger on food recepies and full time on general cooking. Victoria currently represents Nigella a great resource for cooking books and recipes.