From barbecues to all-inclusive holidays and cocktails by the pool, eating and drinking can take on an entirely new dimension during the summer. Although you might indulge in a few more treats than usual when the weather is nice, it’s important to balance out your diet and focus on healthy summer eating if you are conscious of your health. The good news is that there’s never been a better time to eat healthily than the summer with lots of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables available during the summer months.
WATCH YOUR FRUIT INTAKE
While fruit is good for you and better than processed foods and refined sugar, fruit does also have a lot of naturally occurring sugars in it, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on how much you are eating. The amount of sugar in fruits like apples or watermelon can add up quickly and since they are quite light to eat, you may not even realize how much sugar you are consuming. While fruit is great to eat during the summer, just keep an eye on how much you are having.
STAY HYDRATED
Keeping hydrated is arguably even more important during the summer months than it is at any other time of the year. There are a few rules to follow when it comes to staying hydrated during the summer. If you are going to be outside for more than thirty minutes, then make sure that you drink a glass of water when you go back inside, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Even better, keep water with you, as when you start to feel thirsty, you are probably already getting dehydrated.
HEALTHIER BARBECUES
Barbecues and outdoor dining are a great way to spend a summer evening and the good news is that they don’t have to be unhealthy either. If you are following the autoimmune protocol diet, then there are lots of options for a healthier barbecue like fish, lean chicken, and of course a tasty side salad with extra virgin olive oil and other anti-inflammatory foods. While barbecues are often associated with burgers, they certainly don’t have to be filled with unhealthy choices.
EAT LOCALLY
With the summer there will often come an abundance of fresh produce, so it’s a good time to look out for locally produced, organic fruits and vegetables. Many supermarkets have introduced local produce sections or if you want to support local farmers and growers in your area, then it’s worth looking for any farmer’s markets or local greengrocers that you can shop at instead.
DON’T MAKE FOOD THE MAIN FOCUS
Hosting get-togethers in the garden is a popular way to spend summer days and evenings, and it can be nice to catch up with family and friends while making the most of the summer weather. However, it can be tempting to make food the focus of these events when it does not always have to be. If you are planning a get-together in the summer, then think of something else that can be the main focus of the event like playing outdoor games.
CHECK THE LOCAL SCENE BEFORE TRAVELLING
If you’re planning to go abroad or take a staycation this summer then it is a good idea to check out the local scene and look for restaurants in the area before you travel. Many restaurants now have menus available online, so this can be a good way to plan where and what you are going to eat and how you’re going to stick to your diet during your trip, while still having a few indulgent treats, of course.
Summer can bring with it a lot of temptations in the form of food and drink, but if you want to stick to a healthy diet this summer, keep these tips in mind.
