Summer Nutrition Tips

Nutrition is important all year round. When you are on the go in summertime it can be hard to eat right. Here are some summer nutrition tips that can keep you on track in the heat!

Summer is usually a time for fun and sun. When it’s warm you don’t want to be bogged down with heavy clothing or heavy foods. You don’t have to be bothered with either when you use some or all of the information below:

Ways to Stay Healthy in the Heat

* Drink plenty of water 

Water is your friend. Staying hydrated can ward off a multitude of heat-related illnesses. A good rule of thumb is to take a water bottle with you wherever you go. Sometimes, thirst is mistaken for hunger. With water right at hand, you can quench that thirst and save a few calories in the process.

* Eat cold 

Cooking in the kitchen warms up the entire house. Keep things cool with lighter fare. Sandwiches, cold salads and raw foods are quick, easy and portable. Use leftover dinner meats to make sandwiches. Portion foods and keep in containers for quick grabs when you are in a hurry. There is nothing cooler than a fresh fruit salad to whet the appetite on a hot day.

* Eat berries 

Besides looking cute and darling, fruits of the berry variety are also filled with antioxidants. Add a handful to cold cereal in the morning, and to yogurt, smoothies and fresh salads. They boost the immunity, increase your daily water intake and also increase nutrition.

* Eat your veggies 

Try veggies in a new way that will have your kids wanting more. Put them on the grill. Slide them on skewers with pieces of fruit. Apply a bit of olive oil and some tasty spices and grill them to perfection. Instead of canned, use fresh veggies. They contain more nutrients and have a unique taste that many people are missing.

* Make juices and smoothies 

They are not just for breakfast. Add a dollop of low fat whipped cream to turn an ordinary smoothie into a tasty dessert. Play around with different fruit and/or vegetable combinations until you have a few that you like. Instead of ice cream use sherbet, low fat frozen yogurt, plain yogurt or ice and a hint of fruit juice to sweeten and thicken your creation. 

Some recipes: Super Fun Summer Smoothies

*Make pure juice popsicles 

Got to love cool nutritious popsicles! Kids will love these as much as you do! Especially when they are 100% fresh juice. Just get some popsicle molds and off you go (as long as you have a blender too!)

Some recipes: Homemade Ice Popsicles

*Make sorbet 

Pop some frozen strawberries, a bit if water or milk, a splash of agave into a blender and it is as easy as that! Some recipes: Healthy Sorbet Recipes

* Eat bananas 

We already mentioned fruit, but bananas have a special place in our hearts – they are full of potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte in the body. For active children and adults, lack of potassium can lead to bouts of fatigue, cramping during physical activity and heartbeat irregularities. Bananas are portable and easy to incorporate in your daily routine to boost your metabolism.

* Eat Watermelon

Watermelon cut up and coming straight out of the fridge is a wonderful way to hydrate and give yourself a sweet treat!

Are you ready to get revved up for the summer? Use some of these nutrition tips keep your body healthy and cool!