Summer foods, while delicious and potentially healthy, are often high in unhealthful amounts of salt, sugar, fats, and even potentially harmful ingredients, which you should try to avoid as much as possible. While you should not put away your picnic clothes just yet, here are some pointers on what you should try this summer to stay healthy.
Healthy Substitutions:
A few healthy substitutions can go a long way toward improving your nutrition when it comes to all your favorite summer staples:
- – Ice cream is a summertime must-have. Substitute low-fat yogurt for ice cream cones and sandwiches in your favorite shakes and smoothies. You can also add spoonfuls of nuts for that extra protein boost.
- – Swap refined white sugar for natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup in your baked goods.
Eat Fresh over Frozen:
Take advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables available at local farmers’ markets, grocers, and roadside stands this summer. It’s your chance to splurge on farm-fresh produce like summer squash, heirloom tomatoes, cherries, apricots, bell peppers, corn, arugula, beets, radishes, cucumbers, and strawberries. These much better for you compared to frozen meals or canned goods.
Eat healthy fats:
Eat less butter, dairy and fried foods. Try adding olive oil, raw nuts, natural peanut butter and avocados into your diet.
Ready to eat healthy this Summer in a great independent living community for adults 55+? Contact Terrace Place today at 412.548.4100!
