When we think of summer foods, we think of bowls of fresh fruit, piles of delicious vegetables and tasty salads – all eaten outside in the glorious sunshine, of course. There are certainly more than five great summer foods, but they are what we're talking about to give you a little inspiration for your summer diet.
1. Water
Of course, this isn't a food; however, it should be top priority in the heat of the summer. What other product can promise weight loss, more energy, better skin, diuretic effects and still make you feel cooler? We need hydration from water, not fizzy drinks, juice or beer.
Most people tell us that they just don't think about drinking water. If that is what is stopping you, then go right now to get one of those insulated bottles to keep by your side at all times. Or keep a big glass of ice water with slices of lemons or limes nearby.
If you need a little more zip, drink flavoured zero-cal water. Just get rid of the fizzy drinks, which will pile on the pounds, damage your teeth and even weaken your bones. Need we say more?
2. Blueberries
At last blueberries are getting the attention they deserve. While they don't have the greatest amounts of vitamins, they do have one of the most concentrated amounts of flavonoids, the natural substances responsible for giving blueberries their deep blue colour.
These particular flavonoids are showing promise in inhibiting cancer, preventing urinary tract infections, improving eyesight and inhibiting short-term memory loss and other effects of aging. While that may be a lot of promises, at the least, it is a low-calorie treat suitable for any type of diet plan. Toss into cereals, salads or top with a little yoghurt.
3. Seafood
We hope you are eating seafood in the summer and all other times of the year. However, we am still amazed at all the people who have yet to treat themselves to life beyond fried flat fish. It is easy and delicious to take a fish fillet - salmon, tuna, whatever fish is available - and throw it in a glass dish with any marinade for an hour or so, then grill.
Any seafood is a great source of protein and a source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It is also one of the best choices to get while dining out.
4. Tomatoes
Here is another low-calorie powerhouse. While they are high in vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium, it’s their high lycopene content that puts tomatoes in the nutritional spotlight. There is actually more of this prostate cancer-preventing antioxidant in the more concentrated tomato products like tomato sauce, ketchup and tomato juice. But since it is summer, go for the fresh whole fruit, with only 25 calories per tomato.
5. Cantaloupe melon
While it's hard to choose the best fruit, you can't beat cantaloupe melon at its peak. It has more vitamin A than apricots, more potassium than bananas, a full day's supply of vitamin C, and it's lower in calories than most fruits, at 57 calories per serving. A good cantaloupe beats a glass of orange juice any day.
Note: Cantaloupe is high Gi and may not be suitable for people who are prone to high blood sugar levels.
Oh, there are so many more wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables of summer that we could go on and on. We do hope you stop whenever you see a produce stand or farmer's market and take advantage of the season. It is the healthiest diet you can follow.
This is a favourite recipe of the moment, and you must try it. It would be perfect at your next barbecue, since it goes with everything. Happy Summer.
Grilled corn and tomato salad
Serves 42 ears corn, husks and silk removed
1 tsp olive oil
1 punnet of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbs torn fresh basil leaves
1 tbs fresh lime juice
2 tsp olive oil
a pinch of sugar
salt and pepper
1. Brush corn with olive oil or spray with baking spray.
2. Grill or barbeque the corn until it is golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes, and then set aside to cool.
3. When it's cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off with a knife and combine it with all the other ingredients in a bowl.
The salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days.