Best Summer Foods

Keeping out of a hot kitchen is always a goal of mine. So I have to be fair when I say that this is one of the reasons why I love summer foods. But, my number one reason for loving the foods of summer – Waist Management. This is the time of year where you can chill. A chill on the portion control is in order (after being so concientious so far this year). When it comes to many of the naturally low calorie foods of summer you can’t do much damage to your waistline. What you can do is get plenty of great nutrition while enjoying nature’s bounty this time of year.

Here are some of the top foods of summer that will keep you out of the kitchen and in your swimsuit.

Watermelons
The perfect summer food to quench your thirst and provide you with nutrients is watermelon. You will stay hydrated as watermelons are composed of about 90 percent water. In addition this sweet treat is rich in antioxidants such as lycopene and packed with nutrients like vitamin A, B6 and C.

Salad

Your own garden or the farmer’s market can make for endless combinations of summer salads. Tossed salad greens with low calorie dressings provide a great meal in minutes. You can get more flavor and additional health benefits by topping with walnuts, a great source of protein, carrots, which contain large amounts of carotenoids, herbs such as basil which are a good source of vitamins K, A and calcium, and even summer corn a good source of fiber.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be the ultimate nutritional powerhouse and ultimate summertime treat. Full of vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene these vine ripened treats can also be easier on the pocket in summer. You can grow your own in your backyard or get them while they are plentiful at your local farmer’s market.

Grilled Vegetables

Filling your plate up with grilled vegetables is the way to go in summer. Staples to have on hand are onions, bell peppers, summer squash, carrots, eggplant and asparagus. Sweet bell peppers are packed with vitamin A, C, B6, and fiber. Summer squash like zucchini are a good source of vitamin C and A.  

Berries
You can have the glow of summer by simply stocking up on berries. Rich in vitamin C they are an antioxidant that helps keep your skin looking younger. Berries like strawberries are a good source of fiber as well. They are at their sweetest this time of year and there are plenty of varieties to choose from with options like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries you have a great selection of low calorie treats. And if you do indulge in a few high calorie treats this summer at least you can top that ice cream with some fruit!