Whether you’re spending long days at the beach, or grilling on your back patio, summer brings good times you’ll want to savor. For me, they almost always involve food and parties with friends. The problem is that many summer foods can leave you feeling and looking puffy. So many of my clients say that summer (not winter!) is the hardest time to maintain their weight.
Ice cream, hamburgers on a bun, frozen margaritas, chips and guacamole, pizza on the boardwalk: the list is deliciously long. And hard to resist, right? My best advice is to focus on foods and drinks that will cool you down and help detoxify you. You’ll naturally get rid of the puff and bloat. Mother Nature knows her stuff; there’s a reason that fresh fruit is abundant right now. Here’s a list of my favorite healthy summer treats and how to use them:
Infuse your water
Infuse your water with fruits that add natural electrolytes, which are perfect for after-sun and sports recovery. Your cells are craving hydration right now, so make it delicious.
Slice fruit and herbs the night before. I use an extra large mason jar, add the ingredients, and seal it in the fridge to infuse overnight. In the morning, I have a flavored drink that tastes incredibly refreshing and is good for me. One of my favorite versions includes: sliced ripe peaches, sliced lemon, and a sprig of rosemary. Add a sprinkle of Himalayan sea salt for extra minerals.
Eat a lot of cucumbers
This cooling and nutritious veggie is a favorite because of its natural hydrating properties. Infuse cucumber into your water or slice and eat with your favorite hummus. Here’s more about my cucumber style.
Enjoy real watermelons (not bottled juice)
The hot pink beauty of summertime, fresh watermelon is the perfect treat. Naturally sweet, watermelon is over 90% water, which makes it light and hydrating too. Each bite is packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, so this childhood favorite deserves to be at the adult table too. Enjoy watermelon whole, not in a bottle. Often juices can contain added sugars.
I love a slice of fresh watermelon any day of the week, but I also like to get creative. Try this refreshing Watermelon Granita, and this vegan Watermelon Lassi.
Make a summer soup
In the same way that warm soups help you adapt to the winter season, summer soups keep you cool in the summer heat. I love this Cherry Tomato Gazpacho, perfect for any summer dinner party.
Apples are good for every season
I buy into the old adage: “an apple a day…” When I get the urge for a late-night snack, I slice an apple and sprinkle cinnamon on top. One of our team members loves to shake some Himalayan sea salt on hers, and another prefers a skinny smear of almond butter. Whatever your preference, apples contain extra fiber and nutrients, and will keep your digestion healthy and strong.
Pineapples make great cocktails
For a healthy summer cocktail, create Pineapple-Mint Ice Cubes. Cut a pineapple into slices, and blend them along with the juice of a lime and several sprigs of mint. You may need to add a little bit of water to help it blend. Freeze the pineapple mixture in ice cube trays. Add your pineapple ice cubes to sparkling water for a special summer treat!
Leafy greens are always your friend
You probably eat more salads during the summer months, as your body naturally craves raw, fresh vegetables to cool you down—arugula, watercress, bibb, baby kale, dandelion, and more. Enjoy it all in a smoothie, juice, or on a plate. Remember that leafy greens make great smoothies (even better than great juices!). Try this Skinny Green Smoothie recipe.
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