Hot Eats: Healthy Summer Foods to Add to Your Diet

As diets go, the summer season brings along with it quite the dilemma. On one hand, there are so many summer parties and grill outs that have so much delicious food that’s hard to deny. At the same time, you usually want to show more skin, so you don’t want to eat anything that will cause weight to show up in the places you least want it too.

What do you do?

First, you read this article all the way through. It’s going to provide you with a list of some delicious foods that are actually good for you. Ones that will provide nutrients without a ton of calories---the ultimate marriage. Ones that will make summer eating this year, the best one yet!

1. Fresh salsa

If you happen to be a fan of fresh salsa, good news! It tops the list of some of the best foods to eat this summer season. Thanks to the tomatoes, onions and hot peppers, salsa has lots of Vitamin C to fight off free radicals in the body, Vitamin A to keep your eyes and thyroid in good condition and capsaicin. What is that? It’s not only what gives peppers their spiciness, but it helps to keep your stomach from feeling discomfort too. Check out a low-calorie fresh salsa recipe here.

2. Tiny tacos

Yeah, we know. Mexican cuisine doesn't necessarily have the reputation for being the healthiest kind of food. The reason why is two things. One, a lot of people go for the fast food stuff and two, many don’t pay attention to portion control. Remember that the key word is “tiny”. Besides, if you make tacos from home, you can use fresh and healthier ingredients like grass-fed beef and leave out shortening and hydrogenated oils. You can eat three small tacos and take in around 400-450 calories. And fresh guacamole? It’s not the lowest in calories but avocados are really good for you. They have plenty of fiber, contain more potassium than bananas and can even lower your cholesterol. Learn how to make your own guacamole here.

3. Fruit kababs (with chocolate)

Few things are more delicious during the summer than fresh fruit. They also contain a lot of Vitamin C to keep your immune system intact, along with plenty of water to keep you hydrated. A creative way to enjoy fruit is to create your own fruit kababs. You can even provide a dark chocolate dipping sauce. Dark chocolate has plenty of antioxidants, fights heart disease and (get this) even helps to protect your skin from damaging sun rays. Wanna know what fruits are in season? Click here.

4. Homemade popsicles

Another way you and your kids can enjoy fruit is to make some popsicles. You can pour fruit juice into molds (or cups) and freeze them. Or you can make popsicles out of Greek yogurt. Yogurt helps to keep your tummy trim, has lots of acidophilus to decrease digestive issues and yeast infections and also has lots of Vitamins A, D and calcium for strong teeth and bones too. Click here for a delicious strawberry swirl recipe.

5. Grilled corn

Corn is on the world’s healthiest foods list and we’re pretty sure it’s on the menu for your next cookout. Per serving, it has about as many calories as an apple, with one-fourth of the sugar. And unlike many other foods, after cooking it, the antioxidant levels significantly increase. Antioxidants also protect your body from cancer. Grilled corn is delicious with some lime and seasoning on it before wrapping it in foil and placing it on the grill. Try it next time you’re planning on serving corn to your guests.

6. Fresh fruit and peanut butter

Another way to serve fresh fruit is with a peanut butter dip on the side. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, peanut butter is a really great source of protein. It also contains iron, magnesium and Vitamin E. Studies indicate that peanut butter can improve memory, prevent gallstones, lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and has a lot of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Never made peanut butter dip before? Click here to learn how to make it with apples!

7. Homemade ginger ale

Although most sodas are not good for your health (mostly due to the high amount of sugar in them), there are a few exceptions. Ginger ale is one of them. There is an ingredient in ginger called gingerol that helps to keep your digestive system in good health. Ginger also contains zingibain; it has antibacterial properties that can keep you from getting those horrible summer colds. And yes, you can even make ginger ale from home. Click here for instructions. Happy (and healthy) eating!