10 healthy summer eating tips
I’ve been having conversations with my clients lately about how hard summer is to keep routine and stick with the healthy habits we’ve been creating.
I know we’re into the later half of summer, BUT these are still helpful tips!
I am in full support of enjoying summer, being a little bit out of routine and soaking up all the memories you can. However, there are some ways that you can still maintain your healthy lifestyle while still enjoying balance.
Here goes!
1.Plan ahead
My meal planning changes significantly in the summer, but I do still plan a rough outline of meals so I can ensure we have salad or veggie options with our meals. Continuing to write down what some meals might look like is always a good idea. Keep a notepad on your phone!
2. Bring your own dish
If you are going to a potluck or dinner party or any type of gathering where you aren’t sure what the food situation is going to be like, bring a healthy dish that you enjoy so you know you have at least one healthy option to choose from.
3. Pack your smoothies
This is a big one for me. I live for my smoothie in the morning. It’s my favourite breakfast and it makes me feel the best. If I’m going to be away for a few days, I know that I’m going to want my smoothies. Not every day because other breakfasts are also delicious, but at least a couple.
If you have hydro, bring your magic bullet for a quick smoothie or you can even use a smoothie shaker bottle and keep it simple if a blender won’t work where you are.
4. Buy fresh produce
The fruits and veggies at this time of year are incredible! Peaches right now!! Wow. Buying fresh produce is an amazing way to get a great dose of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals while also supporting local and eating the most delicious meals.
5. Drink lots of water (even between margaritas!)
Let’s be honest, sometimes when it comes to the summer, our primary liquid is not water. And that’s okay, but it doesn’t decrease the importance of maintaining adequate water intake, if anything it actually makes water intake even more important. Especially when you’re spending more time outside in the sun.
6. Make your own salad dressings
This is a great way to add in some healthy fats and delicious flavour by using olive oil as a base to salad dressings. Most bottled salad dressings are loaded with added sugar, trans fats and artificial ingredients. It’s as easy as drizzling balsamic vinegar and olive oil on your salad! Or this balsamic dressing only takes a couple of minutes and it’s SO good: Balsamic Vinaigrette
7. Pre-wash fruits and veggies
Taking a few extra minutes at the start of your week or after you’ve grocery shopped to wash your fruits and veggies is a great way to have healthy snacks ready to go and ensure that you’re actually enjoying all that delicious food you bought!
8. Veggies & dip
Chips and dip are a common staple for the summer - who doesn’t love nachos with guac or hummus?! But let’s not forget how delicious veggies taste with any of these dips. Adding veggies to the nacho platter will definitely help increase your veggie intake.
9. Incorporate hydrating foods
Staying hydrated helps with energy, can help make hangovers less awful and keeps us feeling our best. Foods like melon, strawberries, cucumbers and zucchini are all really hydrating foods!
10. Remember your greens
With all the summer fun, finding ways to still get your greens in is important. Blend spinach in your smoothie, add arugula to your pasta salad, serve a salad with burgers or find a new salad recipe to try! Two of my fave summer salads are linked below:
Chicken Fajita Salad
I hope you find these tips helpful and enjoy the rest of your healthy, happy summer!
Britt