Staying at home during this lockdown does not give us an excuse to eat junk every single day. There exist so many healthy, delicious, and fulfilling foods that you can integrate into your daily meals, which can be eaten on their own or combined with various recipes.
Summer consists of many picnics and outdoor activities, which provide the perfect opportunity to have refreshing and healthy meals. Creating a healthy environment around food assists with overall health and provides your body with the best nutrients it needs! See below for some healthy foods you won’t want to miss out on trying this summer, and that your taste buds will love!
- Cucumbers
Cucumbers keep you cool and hydrated and can either be a main dish in refreshing salads or eaten on the side of your main meal. Every bite provides you with loads of potassium, fibre, and vitamin C. A great addition to any picnic basket!
- Watermelon
This food will keep you greatly refreshed throughout these warm summer months! Made up of 92% water, this food can quench your thirst just as water does. In addition to this, watermelons deliver skin-protecting lycopene, a dietary antioxidant known to prevent skin photodamage, especially from the sun. Add some feta cheese for an even juicier taste!
- Cherries
Cherries help with slimming down, relax muscles post-workout, and even provide for a better night’s sleep. Sweet cherries are loaded with potassium, vitamin C, and are rich in beta carotene, which all make the body healthier and stronger in fighting diseases.
- Corn
Corn is a favourite staple during the summer. It is often consumed during BBQs, distributed at fairs, harvested at farms, or can be store-bought. Rich in fibre, corn also contains many vitamins, including B1, B9, and vitamin C. Not to mention, various flavours can be added to this food to spice up its taste, including different sauces and spices such as salt, vinegar, BBQ sauce, etc.
- Tomatoes
Did you know that eating tomatoes can give you extra protection against the burning sun? Indeed, consuming more of the lycopene-the carotenoid that makes tomatoes the red colour they appear to us, can protect your skin from sunburn. Tomatoes can also be added to any salads or even grilled on the BBQ with spices and some melted cheese to add extra flavour!
- Iced Coffee
Staying awake and refreshed are ideal for these summer days! Especially when starting off the mornings of a workday. For an easy, make-at-home recipe for a cold brew, visit https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/264679/cold-brew-coffee/ and get creative in the way you make it!
- Blueberries
Blueberries contain lots of antioxidants that can ward off muscle fatigue, so are a great source of food straight after a workout! They can also be placed in smoothie drinks, smoothie bowls, or sprinkled as an extra topping on yogurt. Sweets can also be baked using blueberries, such as muffins as seen on this site: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/266221/blueberry-lemon-crumb muffins/
- Zucchini
Zucchini contains lots of vitamins A, C, and K and can be added to the grill and cooked to perfection. Especially if grilling other vegetables or kabobs, this one fits right in and adds to all the grilled flavours! It is also low-calorie and has high water content, once again keeping you hydrated refreshed during the blazing summer!
- Crackers and cheese
Charcuterie boards are always a go-to for summer outdoor picnics or gatherings! Especially paired up with some refreshing sangria, the combination of all these items, including the crackers and cheese, makes for a delightful summer snack.
- Iced Tea
Another great beverage to consume during these hot summer days is iced tea! When using homemade ingredients and with no artificial flavours used, iced teas can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and diabetes, and assist with building stronger bones and healthier teeth. Tea is rich in a class of antioxidants called flavonoids, which help your body function efficiently and protects it from toxins. Both delicious and healthy provide for the perfect duo!
These foods can help you have the perfect summer and enjoy the sun, while also making sure your body is staying healthy and reacting well to everything you are consuming. After all, a healthy body equals a healthy mind, which is the best equation for a perfect summer season!
Article inspired by:
- https://www.eatingwell.com/article/105269/8-healthy-summer-foods-to-add-to-your-diet/
- https://info.totalwellnesshealth.com/blog/7-healthy-summer-foods