Summer is a time when health and fitness come into play. The warmer weather makes people want to shed that winter coat and eat all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that are finally in season! Follow these 7 simple tips to eat healthier this summer!
- Work more fruits and vegetables into your diet! Many may not know, but it is suggested that we consume 6-7 servings of fruits and vegetables a DAY. Add avocado to your sandwich or throw in some extra greens!
- Jam pack your salads with nutrients! Salads can tend to be unhealthy with added dressing and cheese. Make sure you are using a light olive oil and vinegar to reduce calories and even add in fruit to your salad for a refreshing twist. You can also add in a healthy grain like quinoa to make it more filling!
- Ensure drinks don’t have a ton of added sugar. Its easy to grab a soda, juice, or lemonade over summer to quench your thirst, but opting for seltzer water with lemon or iced tea will keep you better hydrated with lower calories.
- Utilize the warm weather and get to grilling! Marinate chicken, steak or fish in a light dressing and throw it on the barbecue. Keep those sauces away and enjoy the fresh meat with a salad for dinner.
- Cook at home. Eating out can be expensive and unhealthy. Opt for cooking at home and you will ensure that you and your family are eating more well rounded meals and you can help save yourself some money.
- Snack wisely! Summer brings along so many healthy snack options, grab that fresh watermelon or cut up berries as a delicious sweet snack. Avoid those chips and sub them out with popcorn or vegetables and hummus.
- Make smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet along with protein. Make a jam packed nutrient rich smoothie with coconut water, plain greek yogurt, spinach and your favorite frozen fruits!
Follow these 7 tips and you are off to kick starting your summer healthy and possibly even shed some of those unwanted winter pounds that were put on!
