This Summer Season: Priortize Your Health With These Tips

Teri Cochrane on
A farmers market is a great place to get summer produce.

This summer, follow these simple rules and your body will thank you!

    1. Choose smaller – using your fist as a guide to portion animal protein and carbohydrates is an easy way to ensure you are getting the right amounts.

    2. Eat light – lean protein, fibrous vegetables and smaller amounts of grains make for a balanced but satisfying meal.

    3. Choose juicy foods – refreshing options like watermelon, cucumber, squash and zucchini will help you beat the summer heat while giving your body the nutrients it needs.

      • Watermelon contains citrulline, a building block of nitric oxide (vital for our cardiovascular system) and is rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, potassium, magnesium and l-arginine, an amino acid that manages blood supply to the muscles.
      • Cucumber is full of fiber and rich in antioxidants, as well as vitamins K and C, magnesium, potassium and manganese.
      • Zucchini is high in dietary fiber, antioxidants and is low on the glycemic index, which helps our blood sugar levels.

        4. Limit caffeine – caffeine is known to be a vasodilator which can make us feel unsteady when spending long periods in the sun. Consider switching from coffee to green tea to minimize any negative effects.

        5. Eat earlier – prolonged periods in extreme heat can harm our bodies but did you know consuming food earlier in the day can help combat this? Bonus points for pairing earlier meals with water and natural salt.

        Farmer’s Market Season

        Farmer's markets make the above five tips easier to do. In addition to the juicy fruits and vegetables mentioned above, this weekend try out these tips and tricks when selecting produce:

        Squash – full of insoluble fiber, essential for proper digestive function. It also helps us get rid of excess hormones, manage blood sugar levels and soothes the gut. Enjoy 2-3 servings a week.

        Tomatoes – organic heirloom tomatoes are grown slowly and 'fed' happy-tomato foods including real sunshine, calcium, sodium, and slow-burning fertilizers like organic compost, which lend them their signature heady smell and sweet, tart flavor. They are perfect for salads!

        Peaches and cherries – delicious fruit options this time of year! Don't be afraid to chat with your local farmers about production methods to ensure these fruits making their way to your home are grown responsibly.

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