Ideal Foods for a Summer Diet

Key to weight loss is not starving to fit into a summer bikini or going on a new Celebrity diet that will malnourish and keep you away from filling foods. Summer diet plans are more about hydrating, nutritious but low calories foods that can help you lose weight with better food choices. In summer time, we are always busy with outdoor activities and enjoying the sun. It is not like winter time when we are bundled up at home and overdosing casserole calories.

When it comes to nutrition, my summer diet tip is to look for foods that will hydrate the body, as well as replenish energy sources. Summer diet plans are a success with a good exercise program, outdoor activities and a lighter food intake. I know that for me, summer time is the easiest time to lose weight as the sunshine drives me to be outside and gives my muscles more reasons to be active.

The easiest way to lose weight is to enjoy the following diet food tips that are ideal for a summer diet plan;

Fresh fruits and vegetables;
Enjoy the seasonal produce, such as fresh strawberries or blueberries. Everything is in season during the summer months, from fresh peppers, zucchini, tomatoes to cherries and watermelons.
The best part about fresh produce is that it can be eaten in larger portions, without the fear of gaining weight. A cup of fresh raspberries is not the same as a cup of macaroni and cheese. You can enjoy fresh produce without having to face the wrath of a weight scale.

Look up local farms that offer strawberry, blueberry and cherry picking. Usually farmers charge per basket or crate and you can go through the strawberry field, picking as many as you'd like. This used to be one of our family favorite activities in the summer time. Cost wise as well, picking your own produce is much more economical and not to mention much more fun.

Fruit and vegetable stands seem to be on every corner during the summer months. Anything can be purchased from local farmers, so enjoy the season of fresh produce at a fraction of a cost.

Start your day off right;
My favorite way to start off a summer day is with oatmeal and a cup of fruit. A low-sugar oatmeal will fill up your belly longer, and give you energy for outdoor activities. Pair up a bowl of oatmeal with a fresh cup of fruit such as raspberries for a healthy summer diet start.

Gazpacho;
Gazpacho is a tomato based chilled soup that can be eaten at the beginning of a meal or paired up with a healthy salad. There are a variety of gazpacho recipes, but most feature chunky vegetables such as cucumbers and celery. Gazpacho is made out of raw vegetables, and is a lighter option for hot summer days.

Watermelon and Honeydew melon;
A summer staple is a juicy, ripe watermelon that will not only quench your thirst but also tickle your taste buds. Watermelons also contain a lot of water, which helps when you're trying to stay hydrated and the extra water intake helps burn calories. Try other melon varieties that are in season and fresh. A fresh honeydew melon can be cut up into a fruit salad for a healthy in between meals snack.

Pineapple;
My favorite summer fruit is a ripe pineapple. Pineapples can be cut up and enjoyed in a fresh fruit salad or they can be grilled. A grilled pineapple is delicious as a side, as its natural juices come out when cooked. It can be paired up with beef or shrimp kebobs for a nutritious and healthy dinner idea.

Put your outside grill to use;
Of course, we all look forward to grilling outside in the summer time. During the summer months, my family tries to completely replace our indoor kitchen with our outside grill. Grilling can severely reduce calories, as you do not have to bake casseroles or use the extra butter to prepare a meal in the oven.

Anything can be grilled; shrimp, beef, chicken or pork. Grilled chicken can be made with several recipes, such as dry rubs or marinated. Try making your own low-fat marinade with lemon juice, olive oil and seasoning. Allow chicken to sit in the fridge for 20 minutes before grilling. This low-fat chicken idea is simple, but it will also spare you a lot of calories.

Grilled Veggies;
Grilled meat's best friend is a side of grilled vegetables. Any fresh vegetable can be grilled, including corn or potatoes. To make a side of potatoes on a grill, cut up potatoes in chunks and season with whatever seasonings your family enjoys. Add a small amount of olive oil and wrap chunked potatoes in aluminum foil. Place aluminum foil "envelope" on the grill, and leave it there for 45 minutes to an hour. The potatoes will melt in your mouth. Try other grilled vegetable options such as fresh corn, or eggplant. Another family favorite of ours is grilled asparagus, that only requires a drizzle of olive oil.

Salads;
A salad will always be a healthy option, but salads can get boring which then might steer you in the direction of that macaroni and cheese again. Do not get discouraged with boring salads, add grilled chicken leftovers or add in seasonal vegetables to boring old lettuces. Bean salads can be a different take on a healthy meal idea. Three bean salads are tasty and can be prepared with fresh produce. Also, try flavoring salads with fresh herbs such as dill. Dill is great when paired up with lemon juice and a touch of olive oil. Skip traditional salad dressings such as ranch, and try lighter options such as vinaigrettes.

Chocolate covered frozen bananas;
A summer diet does not mean you have to skip dessert, it just means you have to pick a healthier option.
Melt low-fat or sugar free chocolate according to directions. Skewer peeled bananas and dip into melted chocolate. Freeze on a wax-paper lined cookie sheet and enjoy as a frozen, low-calorie dessert.

Water;
How often do you hear that water will help you lose weight? It will, especially in the summer months. Try to drink more water during hot summer days, especially if you will be active or exercising. Try adding lemon juice to bottled water for a different and refreshing taste.

Losing weight in the summer time is easier, thanks to so many fresh produce selections and the ability to grill outside. Summer dieting can be fun, as your food selections are wider and tastier.