Season to THRIVE
We are on the cusp of summer. In a few short weeks it will be here officially. The kids will be out of school, and we will be knee deep in to the season we have been working towards all year round.
Bring on the bar-b-q, summer parties, fruity drinks, popsicles and ice cream.
The flavours of summer are delightful, but we don't have to throw in the towel on our health in order to indulge...its tempting, yes, but, not only can you survive summer, you can make it your SEASON TO THRIVE.
There are great alternatives that are equally delicious and much more nutritious to just about everything.
Keeping your diet loaded with fresh, raw vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds will keep you nourished and energized. This time of year is prime for all the great seasonal local produce that are available. When eaten locally and in season, produce tastes even more delicious and is actually more nutritious.
But I Love the BBQ?
You don't have to avoid the bbq, but you don't have to give in to its every beckon call either. There are some great alternatives to meat and potatoes for the grill.
Keep in mind that grilling should be a treat, and charred food shouldn't be consumed. Oil should never be heated, but can be added for flavour as food is being removed to the plate.
Be careful with those ready made freezer 'healthy' and 'meatless' burger alternatives. They are most often loaded with sodium, sugars and fillers in grand proportions.
Here are some of my favourites for grill:
- Portabello mushrooms, sprinkled with sea salt, topped with onion, tomato and basil
- Veggie skewers grilled then brushed with garlic oil before servin
- Stuffed Peppers --stuffed with chopped onion, garlic, zucchini and egg plant.
If a burger is what you're craving, try a grilled portabello mushroom cap on an ezekial bun (found in the freezer section of most grocery or health food stores). Top with dijon, pickle, tomato, onion and avocado.
Who Doesn't Love a Summer Salad?
Remove gluten from your pasta salads by replacing white, wheat or kamut pasta with corn or brown rice pasta. Equally delicious. Add your favourite diced raw veggies--colourful and delicious.
Or use spiralized zuchini instead of pasta.
Using homemade avocado mayo, or oil and apple cider vinegar instead of regular mayonnaise not only saves empty calories, they are delicious alternatives.
Green salads and marinated veggies are delicious. Liven them up with seeds, nuts and fruit, avocado and a kick of cayenne for added zing.
Homemade salad dressings are easy, more delicious, and much more nutritious than store bought.
Prepare a simple vinaigrette by whisking together
¼ cup olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1.5 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp dijon mustard
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp pepper
Great for green salad, marinated veggies or drizzle over grilled vegetables.
Indulge in Delightful Desserts
Avoid the cakes and creamy, sugary desserts. Instead, why not try
- Fruit with homemade chocolate dip
- Homemade popsicles
- Avocado chocolate pudding
- Chia pudding
Delicious and guilt free.
Get More From Your Cup
Don't waste your calories on drinks. Make your own fruity drinks by blending real fruit and ice, instead of sugary syrups. Adding hemp or chia seeds will increase nutritional value.
Freeze bananas and blend with almond milk and cacao or frozen berries, for a delightful frozen shake.
And what could be better than homemade lemonade or herbal iced tea sweetened with agave or maple syrop. This is a real treat and crowd pleaser for kids of all ages.
Remember to eat every 3 hours and stay hydrated with plenty of fresh water. Fill a pitcher with water and add some chopped cucumber and melon, let steep and enjoy for a great refreshing drink. You'll feel like you're at the spa.
This summer, let the Jones' try to keep up with YOU. As you nourish and enjoy the delights of real whole foods. You'll have more energy to enjoy summer life.
Simple changes can keep you from needing to snooze on the chaise lounge, running for heartburn medication and fitting into your clothes at the end of the season.
Enjoy the tastes of summer, while nourishing the body, mind and spirit.
And, remember....we waited long enough for it--getting 15-20 minutes of unprotected sunshine on the skin will increase vitamin D. Harmful chemicals in sunscreen can wreak havoc on the body, inside and out.
Until next time, eat like your life depends on it, and let your inner glow emerge.
Send me your comments and challenges. Let me know what you are doing to ensure a happy healthy 2010, or what you're struggling with to incorporate a better healthy lifestyle. Email me at jody@vitasential.ca
Learn more about me and Vitasential Nutrition at www.vitasential.ca Watch for my monthly newsletter and follow my blog. I'll be posting updates, and sharing lots of tips and tricks about nutrition. You'll get a peak into my life with four kids and fast talking husband.
© 2010 Jody MacDonald, RHN | Vitasential Nutrition. All rights reserved.
If you would like to reprint this article, feel free to do so by attaching the following description: "Jody MacDonald, RHN is the owner of Vitasential Nutrition. This article was featured in her monthly eZine A Vitasential Life. Please visit www.vitasential.ca for more practical information, inspiration and resources to create a life you love from the inside-out and have a lot of fun doing so."
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