Dive into Summer (bikini style)

It is about that time of year when most women are dreading getting into their bathing suit.  Splash into summer feeling fabulous, looking great, and feeling full!  What do I mean when I say feeling full?  Yes, you don’t have to starve yourself when it comes to bathing suit season.  Actually, studies have proven eating a healthy breakfast, fibrous foods, and healthy snacks can help boost the metabolism and stay slim.

There is a new slogan for this decade and it is – What’s for breakfast?  50% of Americans skip breakfast and almost 1/4 of children don’t eat breakfast or are indulging in sugary cereals in the morning. Some adults avoid breakfast due to a lack of time or even attempting to maintain weight.  A fast and nutritious breakfast is achievable. Try to incorporate a whole grain every morning.  Have it be instant oatmeal with fruit, nuts, and honey, a whole grain English muffin with an egg and spinach, a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter, or even high fiber cold cereal like Go Lean®.  Fiber gives you the feeling of fullness and provides more concentration throughout the day; which can be found in whole grains.  Make at least half of your carbohydrates from wheat, oats, brown rice, quinoa, or amaranth.

Snack on!  Some people say to avoid snacks; but in theory, eating small meals throughout the day provides the body a consistent glucose level in the body.  Avoid high sugary snacks like cookies and high salty snacks like chips.  Instead, try cheese and crackers, celery and peanut butter, carrots and ranch, a granola bar, or even a handful of nuts.  Snacking wisely can avoid an over consumption of calories at other meals.

Take advantage of the Texas seasonal produce!  Berries are abundant here in the summer.  They are considered a “superfood,” providing antioxidants and energy producing natural sugars.  Stock up from the farmers market and this Fall learn how to can berries so you can still enjoy their flavor during the winter.  Cantaloupe is soft and sweet; but also very low in calories and is fat free.  To take you from pool side to cabana dreams, squeeze fresh lime juice over half of the melon, sit back and relax as if you were on your own deserted island.

Now, when it comes to veggies – who wants to turn their oven or stoves on in the middle of the Texas heat??  Try going raw this summer!  Vegetables are actually very diverse and can be added to so many different things.  Try a spinach pesto dip and pureed eggplant on a pita wrap for lunch.  Red bell peppers have more vitamin C in them than an orange.  Chop up a couple of pieces and throw them on a fresh salad along with some baby bella mushrooms.  Slice a delicious vine ripened, home grown tomato with some fresh herbs like basil and add mozzarella cheese, drizzle with some balsamic vinegar and oil olive, and imagine you are on a terrace in Italy. Take advantage of the fresh and nutritious produce that is available in the summer.

Keeping slim during summer months can be pretty easy if you use the ingredients that are in season and naturally nutrient dense.  If you find some time and want to explore some culinary adventures, check out the recipes below.  Splish, splash, and take a deep dive into a healthy summer.

Watermelon – Rosemary Granita

(Jeffery Ziff Cool, Simply Organic)

6 cups watermelon cubes

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 cup water

Place a 9 inch square meal baking pan into freezer.  In food processor or blender, puree watermelon to equal 3 cups.  In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring sugar and 1 cup water to boil.  Continue to boil for five minutes or until thickens to a syrup.  Pour into a large bowl and cool completely.

When cool, add puree, juice, and rosemary and cover with foil and return to freezer. Freeze, stirring occasionally, for 3 hours or until partially frozen.  Transfer the mixture to a food processor and process until smooth but still frozen/ Return to baking pan, cover and freeze for three more hours.  Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving and scoop into dessert bowls.

If you have an ice cream maker, use according to manufactures instructions.

photo by Melissa Carugati