10/01/2018
Nutrition for Hot Weather
This is the perfect time to adapt a lighter eating regimen that is full of nutritious fresh fruits and veggies. We eat lighter during the hot summer months, and market shelves are filled with seasonal harvests, making it easy to fill your diet with a bounty of healthy foods. Start off with these great summer favorites!- Blueberries. Blueberries are filled with flavonoids, powerful disease fighters found in many fruits and vegetables. You can enjoy those longer hours of daylight, because blueberries increase blood flow to skin and improving your skin's appearance and texture. With more daylight hours and time spent in the sun, that's key. A recent study found that they may help slow cognitive decline. One cup of these sweet treats is an energizing 84 calories!
- Celery. Get rid of that excess water weight before heading off to the beach, without the danger of dehydration. Celery works as a natural diuretic, stimulating your kidneys and helps them to flush waste and extra fluid from your body! Celery is 95% water, filled with fiber, and is also known for its blood pressure reducing properties.
- Dark, Leafy Greens. Fill up on fresh, raw spinach and kale this summer! Your body converts the carotenoids in orange and dark-green foods to vitamin A, which strengthens your skin's defenses against damaging rays. Kale, also know as the 'queen of greens,' comes in a tidy package of 36 calories with 5 grams of fiber.
- Green Tea. Iced green tea is the perfect way to hydrate during the hot summer months. Numerous recent studies have indicated that green tea may be helpful in fighting cancer and heart disease, lowering cholesterol, revving your metabolism and even keeping dementia at bay. Add some fresh mint for a truly refreshing summer drink.
- Oranges. Protect yourself against summer potassium loss with this popular citrus fruit. Potassium loss through sweat raises your risk for muscle cramps.Oranges not only replenish potassium, they're almost 80% water, making them a great, portable treat to help keep you hydrated on a hot summer day!
- Watermelon. Watermelon is a summer favorite, and is a great choice for a treat on a hot day. Watermelon's high water content keeps you cool, hydrated, and feeling full. It also contains lycopene to protect your skin from sun damage.
- Yogurt. The protein in yogurt is a satisfying alternative to high-calorie snacks and is a great summer breakfast, especially when topped with fresh fruit! Yogurt also contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that keeps your digestive system running smoothly.
