How to not gain weight this summer (encore)
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 most of those summer foods can leave you feeling and looking puffy. So many of my clients say that summer is their 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? Yet the added salt and sugars in many of those classic summer foods can wreak havoc with your weight, and how you feel.
This summer, try to focus on foods and drinks that will cool you down and help detoxify you. Fresh, seasonal produce and light summer recipes will delight your senses, and kill the cravings for heavy, weighty foods. And you’ll naturally get rid of the puff and bloat.
Mother Nature knew her stuff; there’s a reason that fresh fruit is abundant right now. Keep your fridge and fruit bowl stocked with summers bounty.
Here’s a list of my favorites and how to use them. And why!
1) Sweet infused water
Infuse your water with fruits that add natural electrolytes, perfect for after sun and sports recovery. Your cells are craving hydration right now, so make it delicious.
Here’s how I do it: 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 good and is good for me.
Here’s one of my favorites; sliced ripe peaches, sliced lemon, and a sprig of rosemary. Add a sprinkle of Himalayan sea salt for added minerals.
2) Cucumber
This cooling and nutritious veggie is a favorite because of its natural moisturizing properties and hydrating benefits. Infuse cucumber into your water or dip a slice in your favorite hummus.
For more about my cucumber style, go here.
3) Watermelon
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.
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.
4) Soups
In the same way that warm soups help you to adapt to the winter season, summer soups keep you cool to enjoy the summer heat.
I love this Cherry Tomato Gazpacho, perfect for any summer dinner party.
5) Apples
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 passion, apples contain extra fiber and nutrients, and will keep your digestion healthy and strong.
6) Pineapple
High with vitamin C and the sweetest fruit around, I’ll take a wedge of pineapple over a cup of ice cream any day. (Well, most of the time).
For a healthy summer cocktail, create Pineapple Mint Ice Cubes. Cut a pineapple into slices, and blend them it in a blender with the juice from a lime and several sprigs of mint. You may need to add a little bit of water to allow it to blend.
Freeze the pineapple mixture in ice cube trays. Add your pineapple ice cubes to sparkling water for a special summer treat.
7) Leafy greens
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. Here are some ideas on how to get your greens on: Green Cannelloni Bean Dip, Skinny Green Smoothie.
What’s your plan for this summer?
