7 Slimming Summer Foods You Should Be Eating

0

Screen Shot 2016-05-12 at 10.40.36 AM

Summer is coming!  That means sunshine and hot days are around the corner and you want to feel your best in your Summer clothes, right!?  It all starts with what you’re eating.  Making small changes and incorporating some healthy foods into your diet will get you there.  Here are 7 items to add to your menu this Summer to slim down and feel amazing.

  1.  FROZEN CHERRIES – When I was growing up, I loved orange push-ups and popsicles but now I need something less loaded with sugar but still give me that frozen sweetness that I crave.  Frozen cherries do just that.  Not only do they satisfy my sweet tooth, they are loaded with antioxidants that help your body flush out the crud and relieve inflammation.
  2. VEGGIE KABOBS – This is a fun way to serve up vegetables at any meal.  Grab your favorite veggies such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, zucchini and cut them up in to 1-2 inch pieces, slide them on a skewer and grill.  Easy and tasty.  Vegetables help keep you full and provide tons of wonderful nutrients your body needs to maintain a healthy weight.
  3. WATERMELON – This is my go-to Summer snack.  You can look in my fridge and you will see a big tupperware bowl full of cut up watermelon ready to go on any given day.  It’s cold, sweet and refreshing!  Watermelon is wonderful because it is hydrating and is a natural diuretic helping the body get rid of excess fluids.  It is also rich in potassium and electrolytes, regulating the actions of nerves and muscle in our body.
  4. LEAN PROTEIN – Protein is essential for the growth and repair of muscle tissue, especially after a good workout.  When trying to lose weight, eating protein will keep you full longer and keep you from over eating which will lower your daily calorie intake.  I tend to stick to foods like poultry, fish, black beans, eggs and organic tofu.  Try adding protein to each of your meals and see the difference in how you feel, notice how you feel more satisfied and less hungry throughout the day.
  5. ASPARAGUS – This fantastic veggie is packed full of fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion.  Fiber is great for keeping you full and keeping cravings at bay.  It’s a great food to eat if you want to help your body eliminate bloat.  To make some great tasting roasted asparagus, simply break off the tough ends, coat with a little extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle on some of your favorite seasonings and roast in the oven at 425 degrees for 5-7 minutes.  I like mine a little on the crunchy side so I make sure not to over cook it.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
  6. GRILLED PINEAPPLE – This is a great alternative to an indulgent dessert!  Pineapple is delicious served fresh and cold but take it up a notch by throwing a few thick rings on the grill.  Your tastebuds will thank you!  Pineapple is beneficial to our immune system with its high level of vitamin C.  So eat your dessert and feel good about it!
  7. WATER – Ok, so technically not a food but VERY important to your overall health this Summer!  Do not slack off when it comes to hydration.  Aim for half your body weight in ounces each day.  If you weigh 150 pounds, drink a minimum of 75 ounces of water each day.  If water is too boring for your taste buds, try adding cut up strawberries, lime or lemon wedges or frozen pineapple chunks to your water bottle.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Need recipe ideas to keep your menu lean and clean this Summer?  Head on over to my Facebook page for links to some of my favorites!

((Hugs))

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here