It seems that summer is finally on its way – and, if the Met Office is to be believed, we could be in for another hot one. So we’re no doubt all looking forward to the sunshine and the long, lazy days and weeks ahead and perhaps getting away on holiday. The season can mean living in a slightly different way to normal, and that can include changes in the way we eat.
You may feel less inclined to cook heavy meals at this time of year, for example, either because of the heat or because you want to be enjoying life outside rather than slaving over the proverbial hot stove. Or maybe you have less time to cook because the kids are at home more than usual and need more of your attention.
What’s more, the increased time spent outside may have put you on something of a health kick – or if you’re planning on hitting the beach later in the summer, perhaps you’re keen to slim down a little first. (Equally, of course, you may well feel your body is perfectly beach-ready just the way it is!)
However your summer and you are shaping up, it’s a great time of year to ditch poor eating habits and perhaps consider some healthy swaps and alternatives to the things you usually consume.
Here are a few healthier food ideas:
- Dive into a smoothie
This summer, ditch the fizzy drinks in favour of a gorgeously refreshing smoothie bursting with fibre, vitamins, minerals and more. Use fruit like pineapple, orange and banana for a beverage that tastes like sunshine in a glass.
- Opt for grilled, lean protein
Make some swaps for plant-based options on the barbie this year. Tofu skewers are one good example. If you’re not vegetarian, leaner cuts of meat are lower in saturated fats while oily, sustainably sourced fish such as mackerel, sardines or salmon, are rich in Omega 3 healthy fats.
- Go Greek
If you love your mayo or sour cream at lunchtime, consider swapping either or both of these for low or zero-fat Greek yoghurt. Not only is this higher in protein, it’s lower in fats and packed with ‘good’ bacteria that are brilliant for your gut.
- Raise your snack game
Whether you’re taking your own meals on days out, preparing for a self-catering holiday or satisfying the demands of children (and perhaps their friends) who either are at home all day or taking themselves out, snacks are likely to be an important part of your summer. Rather than reaching for crisps or chocolate or sugary cereal bars, consider going for Brazil nuts, almonds, apricots or, for a sweet treat, dates. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy them! Indeed, you may even want to stay off the sugary, unhealthy snacks come September.
- Bring on the breakfast
At home or on vacation, one of the pleasures of a summer morning is the chance to linger over a leisurely breakfast instead of dashing off to school, work or college. Porridge, oatbran or wheat bran can make an excellent change from sugar-packed cereals. Sprinkle on seeds for some extra goodness.
And don’t forget to spread the love! Swap butter and sugary jams for organic salt-free peanut butter, almond butter or wholefood Zambian forest honey.
When you want to go for all-out decadence, try something like Montezuma Black Forest’s cherry-flavoured dark chocolate. It’s far healthier than many other chocolate products.
- Get seedy – and spice it up
As well as adding them to porridge, you can sprinkle nutrient-packed goodies like chia or pumpkin seeds, or linseeds, on a summery salad. And if you’re cutting out carbs, fat or sugar on a seasonal diet, remember you can still enjoy tasty, flavoursome food thanks to clever use of herbs and spices.
Healthy alternatives from Ganesha Wholefoods
Family-run Ganesha Wholefoods has been in business for 45 years. We offer many of the products mentioned above, alongside heaps of others, to make your summer a healthy one with plenty of taste. Browse our range of products, whether you’re stay-cationing or heading for far-flung places this year. We have three physical shops across Devon and a popular online store. And with speedy delivery plus free shipping if you basket is worth £40 or more, you can’t lose. Put some zing into your diet today!
Got a question? Give us a call on 01395 578 526 or email [email protected]; we’ll be delighted to help.