All those BBQs and summer pool and beach parties with so much food! Everyone goes to at least a few of those each summer. Well, the food your splurge on while at those fun-filled events may be less than helpful for your weight loss goals during the summer months.
The usual offerings include plenty of chips, fried foods, soft drinks and liquor. With all those temptations, it's definitely easy to forget about your weight loss program and healthy nutritional plan. But there are alternatives to those unhealthy, unhelpful foods!
Stick with fresh fruits and produce during the summer months! Why? They are in season, which means they're of the best quality during the summer, which also means that they're the cheapest during the summer. These fresh fruits and produce provides plenty of nutrients for your body, such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Some of the best fruits to eat:
Watermelons, in particular, are full of juice so it will satisfy your thirst and sweet tooth at the same time! Another great offering usually found at most summer gatherings that won't hurt your weight loss efforts.
Fruits of all types can be made into chilled drinks and desserts, which can add a nice ending to your summer events. Instead of overly sugary, highly processed soft drinks make some awesome fruit iced drinks.
Salads are refreshing, nutritious and very versatile! There are so many different ways to create a salad that you'll never run out of options. Fruits, nuts, and cooked meats can be added; it's not advised to add cheese though if you're trying to lose weight.
Grilled vegetables are really great for barbecues, perfect straight from the grill. You can grill practically any vegetables and they'll taste just fantastic! From peppers, onions, carrots, garlic, zucchini, and even lettuce. The best oils to grill them with are either extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil.
Soups can also be great summer foods simply because there are also plenty of variations for this as well. But this type of summertime soup is not one that you'd find on your grocery store shelf. Summertime soups are based on broths, like beef, chicken and vegetable for starters. Other types of summertime soups are the quite popular dessert soups made of refreshing fruits and vegetables.
There you have it! Use summer's wonderful fresh fruit and vegetable bounty in your weight loss program and you'll be definitely on your way to fast and easy weight loss for the summer!
