There’s never a right time to start tackling your health goals, and it is within our human nature to make excuses as to why now is not the right time. In my opinion, summer is a great time to challenge yourself to start making small changes to your lifestyle. Most of us find ourselves in a better mood when the sun is shining longer and we can spend more time outside. Local markets are thriving, your grill is ready to use, and you can enjoy your meals in the beautiful outdoors! By the time summer comes to a close, you’ll have created a routine for yourself and already started achieving your goals, so when the colder weather rolls around, your health supportive lifestyle will already be in full swing. 

There is so much deliciously sweet produce that is seasonal for summer, and I’ve been having a blast demonstrating how to use these ingredients at local markets. The most beautiful thing about using these ingredients is that they truly require very little manipulation in the kitchen because they already taste so delicious. Fresh, seasonal, and local foods contain more nutrient value and flavor than conventionally grown produce that likely traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles to get to your grocery store. And, when you buy seasonal foods in your grocery store, you’re likely to get a better price than buying something that is out of season because seasonal foods grow in abundance. 

What’s in season now??

o  tomatoes 

o  zucchini and other summer squash

o  eggplant

o  peaches

o  berries

o  cherries

o  figs 

o  sweet peppers 

o  carrots 

o  radishes 

o  beets

o  fresh herbs

Utilize summer produce to create simple and nutritious meals 

• Use berries in a savory way 

  •  Add to green salads, pasta salads, grain bowls 

  • Berry salsa —> try my blueberry salsa https://www.chefgirlnutrition.com/new-blog/2019/7/12/blueberry-herb-salsa

  • Cook berries down into a sauce to top your protein

• Use the grill! Not just for meat, but for fruit and veggies too! 

  • Try fruit kebabs drizzled with balsamic glaze  

  • Grill peaches flesh side down and drizzle with a spicy honey 

• Use fresh herbs with fresh berries to bring out a new flavor 

  • Add chopped fresh herbs to a basic fruit salad 

  • Try my strawberry bruschetta —> https://www.chefgirlnutrition.com/new-blog/2019/7/30/strawberry-ricotta-bruschetta

• Add fresh veggies to your basic pasta dish to make a more nutritious and satisfying meal 

• Pesto! Pro tip: make a ton of pesto now with all the fresh basil and freeze in ice cube trays for the perfect pesto portion you can use throughout the year 

  • Carrot top basil pesto —> https://www.chefgirlnutrition.com/new-blog/2019/7/15/carrot-top-basil-pumpkin-seed-pesto  

• Use fresh tomatoes with everything! 

• Stock up on your favorite summer fruits and stash them away in the freezer to have during the winter months – I love to do this with berries 

• Get in more nutrients with smoothies! Nothing better than a cold smoothie during a hot summer day. Use a smoothie as a vessel for adding tons of nutrients with fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. 
  

And don’t forget to get outside! Your health is not just about what you eat. Go for walks, jogs, hikes, take your pup to the dog park, stroll on the boardwalk, hop on a bike or go for a swim. Leave the office on your lunch hour and get some fresh air! 

Take advantage of summer while it’s still here to get a jumpstart on your health goals. Happy summer-ing!

Looking for more guidance and support of your health goals this summer and beyond? Contact me to learn more about my nutrition + culinary coaching packages.