Seasonal Eating: Six Summer Superfoods

Many experts agree that summer is the best time to start living a more healthy life. This summer, supercharge your summer diet with six seasonal favorites.

Superfood 1: Blueberries

Why they're good for you: A cup of blueberries contains only 80 calories, but each serving is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and plenty of fiber. In 1997, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ranked blueberries as number one out of 43 fruits and vegetables in terms of antioxidants. Plus, they taste so sweet it's hard to believe they're so good for you.

Best time to eat: June through August

Best recipe ideas: Pop a container of blueberries into the freezer for a quick, refreshing treat on the go. Combine a cup of blueberries with a cup of non-fat yogurt, 1/2 cup of ice cubes, and a banana for a tasty low-calorie smoothie

Avoid: Blueberry Pie

Superfood 2: Artichoke

Why they're good for you: At only 64 calories each, artichokes are a delicious source of vitamin C, K, foliate, manganese, Niacin, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Copper. Each serving contains a full ten grams of fiber. Plus, peeling and eating the outer petals one by one forces you to slow down and eat mindfully.

Best time to eat: March through May

Best recipe ideas: Grill or roast an artichoke and serve with a low-calorie dip of one cup plain nonfat yogurt, one quarter cup reduced calorie mayonnaise, and one teaspoon dried dill

Avoid: Creamy artichoke dips

Superfood 3: Watermelon

Why they're good for you: A full cup of watermelon contains only 46 calories, but plenty of vitamin C and A. Plus, it is an excellent choice for picnics and fourth of July barbeques.

Best time to eat: May through August

Best recipe ideas: Slice and eat raw, or try making a chilled gazpacho by blending 2 cups watermelon, 2 cups orange juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add cubed cucumber, onion, and bell pepper, and season to taste with garlic, lime juice, minced jalapenos, and salt and pepper.

Avoid: Watermelon-flavored Jolly Ranchers

Superfood 4: Strawberries

Why they're good for you: A half cup of strawberries is only 49 calories, yet provides 3 grams of fiber along with a healthy dose of vitamin C. Plus, with a cup full of fresh berries, you'll be able to avoid the temptation of the ice cream truck.

Best time to eat: May and June

Best recipe ideas: Combine with blueberries and non-fat vanilla frozen yogurt for a patriotic fourth of July treat.

Avoid: Strawberry shortcake

Superfood 5: Beets

Why they're good for you: Experts agree that chilled soups and salads are great diet choices for summer, and beets provide an unexpected but delicious base. A cup of beets contains 58 calories and is a good source for vitamin C, fiber, Foliate, Potassium and Manganese.

Best time to eat: June to October

Best recipe ideas: Try roasting beets and serving with salad greens and goat cheese, or make a chilled soup with beets as the base.

Avoid: Pickled beets can be high in sodium

Superfood 6: Red Bell Pepper

Why they're good for you: A whole bell pepper contains only 30 calories and 140 percent of your daily Vitamin A requirement. Plus, with a deliciously tangy sweet flavor, red peppers combine well with salads and low-fat dips.

Best time to eat: August through October

Best recipe ideas: Try serving sliced red pepper with a hummus for a delicious light summer lunch

Avoid: Pizzas or other high-calorie foods topped with red pepper