Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer although our calendars tell us that summer doesn’t begin until June 21. It’s safe to say that come Memorial Day weekend, pools open, life guards return to beaches, people pack away winter clothes and break out their summer wardrobes, and grills are fired up for some tasty backyard feasting. Sounds like summer to us!
Summer inspires us to be more active—get up and get outside. But, in order to be more active we must fuel our bodies with foods that won’t make us feel heavy or sluggish. Being selective about what we throw on the grill. Here are a few tasty summer food ideas to keep you moving, light on your toes, this summer.
Dig In! Summer Weight Loss Foods
The trick to losing weight isn’t found in whatever diet is trending this season. There is no secret remedy found in a magical coffee bean from the middle of a bog that will make you look better in a swimsuit. What works is eating fewer calories than you burn.
That leaves the question, what are some summer foods that will fill you up and be easily burned?
- Watermelon. It’s 50% water, and sweet enough to satisfy your sugar craving.
- Grilled veggies. Perfect for the grill-master in all of us as well as for the left over chef who loves experimenting. Not only are veggies healthy, they’re versatile. There are tons of leftover meal ideas that can be whipped up in no time such as hearty summer salads, quesadillas, fajitas, and light pasta dishes.
- Smoothies. Sugary drinks such as sodas, flavored ice tea, and lemonade are great for cooling down in the shade but are loaded with empty calories. Instead of reaching for a soda, try juicing your favorite fruits with Greek yogurt, or venturing onto the wild side and blending spinach with oatmeal. You can easily find recipes floating around online that include everything from peanut butter to kale—and even peanut butter and kale!
- Corn. If someone told you there is no nutritional value in corn, that person was wrong. In one cup of cooked corn, you’ll find the eye-healthy phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as fiber. Oh, and it’s perfect for grilling too!
- Raspberries. Raspberries will also satisfy your sugar craving as watermelon will, but additionally offer soluble fiber in the form of pectin which helps lower cholesterol.
Start moving! Summer Energy Foods
For those who enjoy really embracing the summer months with daring activities such as cliff climbing and hiking, it’s not so much low calorie foods you’re searching for as it is power foods. You don’t need to load up the grill with meat for protein-packed energy. Here are some healthier options that will give you the jump you need without a food hangover.
- Chia Seeds. These aren’t new. In fact, they’ve been around since the Aztecs ruled their part of the world. These raw, organic seeds are an excellent source of omega fatty acids and easily digestible protein, minerals, calcium, and fiber. You can add these tiny seeds to salads, eat them by the handful, or toss them in to your trail mix.
- Watermelon. This super fruit is perfect enough to make both lists. Not only will it quench your sugar craving and fill you up, but it will also satisfy your thirst, which is key to keeping you on the go. Hydration is vital to staying active in the heat. If you’re dehydrated, you’ll quickly become fatigued. But, this fruit doesn’t just fight fatigue because it’s 50% water—it also serves as much fatigue-fighting iron as a serving of spinach!
- Lentils. These beans are packed with iron. One cup provides nearly 80% of your daily-recommended dose. They’re also loaded with Vitamin C, which maximizes iron absorption.
- Alfalfa sprouts. These delicate greens are another high iron food source. But, more than iron, they also offer your body potassium, calcium. and protein.
- Polenta. This cornmeal delicacy is loaded with complex carbs. For those on the go, it works to keep your blood sugar even keel, sustaining your energy level.
Slumber Food!
After a full day of summer fun, you might have no problem falling asleep. However, that’s not true for all of us. Sometimes the mind has a hard time shutting down although you’ve exhausted your body. The solution? More melatonin!
Melatonin is naturally created in our bodies. It’s a hormone that helps regulate your internal clock, telling you when to rest and when to rise. Over time, our bodies produce less and less of it, leaving us lying in bed and counting sheep. You can buy supplements over the counter that will restock your diminishing supply, but you can also consume a handful of walnuts and cranberries, which naturally contain melatonin.
Additional ISM articles of interest
Private School News Vol. 8 No. 2 Three Reasons to Eat Slower
Private School News Vol. 9 No. 3 Five Reasons Why Processed Foods Make Us Sick
ISM Monthly Update for School Heads Vol. 10 No. 4 Healthy Food Revolution in Schools—an Uphill Battle
