As summer arrives full-swing, a curious mood comes across us. We want to shed off the warm cozy feelings we wrap ourselves in over the winter, and pull on the light and fresh sensations of summer. The best way to do this is switch up the foods you’re eating. By making a few quick switches to your diet, you can have a healthier, lighter summer ahead.
Quick Switch #1
Switch potatoes for whole grains. Winter dishes like stews are full of starchy potatoes.This is helpful to us in the winter, when we need a heavier meal in order to give us slow-burning energy to stay warm. In the summer however, we want quick, cool meals to beat the heat and let us get back to the great outdoors. Grains like quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat can be prepared ahead of time and made in to incredible salads and stir-frys that will give you energy without making you feel weighed down and lethargic.
Quick Switch #2
Exchange warm soups for cold ones. In winter, we crave soups for their warmth and comfort. In the summer, we crave cold, thirst-quenching foods. Why not combine the two? Make yourself a spicy tomato gazpacho, or a delicious spinach-based blended smoothie. These cool soups and smoothies will quench your thirst and give you a huge does of vegetables. They will keep you full, and help you stay away from the snack bar this summer.
Quick Switch #3
Swap ice cream for banana soft serve. Cold desserts are wonderful in the summertime. Ice cream is loaded with sugar, preservatives, and dairy. With more and more people becoming sensitive to dairy, that cool treat can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. A wonderful, easy substitution is banana soft serve. It’s the easiest recipe in the world! Take 2-3 frozen bananas, and blend in a blender or food processor until it has the consistency of soft ice cream. Dress it up in your favorite way, and enjoy!
If you incorporate these quick switches into your meal planning, you will feel lighter, healthier, and have so much more energy to enjoy your summer!
This article was originally published on www.NaturallySavvy.com
*Image of “banana“ via Shutterstock
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