Summertime can be relaxing but sometimes when we get too busy having fun we don’t want to stop to cook a healthy meal. At the end of the day, how can you enjoy the outdoors and still eat healthy? Here are some tips to get you through the summer.
Use a slow cooker
I love using my slow cooker in the summer, when I get home from work I can go outside and enjoy the last bit of sunshine without having to stop and cook dinner. You can put your meals together in the morning and leave it for the day. When you are ready to eat, your meal is done when you are. Also, slow cookers don’t heat up the house in the summer like the oven does so you stay cooler.
Use your grill
Grilling a meal can be a fun way to be outside and still eat healthy. Almost anything can be cooked on a grill so be creative. My favorite summer vegetable is grilled zucchini, but you can grill any of your favorite veggies or fruit. Try grilled watermelon or pineapple they are so sweet and refreshing. Always remember to wash your plates and utensils between putting raw meats on the grill and taking it off to prevent food borne illness, no one wants to ruin the party like that.
Have a picnic
Picnics are so much fun in the summertime. If you have had a stressful day and just need to relax, a picnic dinner can be a great way to enjoy time with your family. Pack some sandwiches and watermelon slices and go to the beach or the park. Some of my favorite summer memories are from picnic dinners at the beach watching my kids play and the sunset. By the time everyone is finished, you have gotten to get outside, play with your friends or family and eat a healthy meal.
Build-your-own salad
On a hot summer day, cold food sounds so refreshing. A delicious and fun cold dinner is a build-your-own salad. This meal takes a little prep work to cut up the various salad toppings, but is so fun for the whole family. Kids are more willing to try new foods if you let them help pick out and chop up the toppings. Once everything is chopped you can put it in separate bowls on the table and everyone gets to add whatever they want to their salad. Be sure to have all the food groups on the table by serving vegetables, fruit, cheese, meat, nuts or beans, and bread or croutons. Using a low fat dressing or vinaigrette can keep the salad healthy and low calorie.
Summer can be stressful but your summer meals don’t have to be. Enjoy the sun, get outside, play and be well!
If you or someone you know receives food stamps (SNAP), WIC, fuel Assistance or any other public assistance, Joy can help you at no cost.
