It is easy to get motivated to eat healthier when you visit your local farmer's market in the summer. There are many fruits and vegetables that are fresher and tastier when they are in season and grown locally. Buy fruits and vegetables to include in your healthy diet whenever you go shopping in the summer.
What's in Season
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vegetables that are in season during the summer include but are not limited to green beans, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers and spinach. Fruits that are available include berries such as blueberries and strawberries, melons, peaches, pears and plums. Take advantage of the variety of the season and choose vegetables and fruits that are different colors.
Nutrition
A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help decrease the risk of chronic diseases and cancers. Fruits and vegetables have a variety of minerals, nutrients and vitamins. In addition, they are fiber filled, are filling, and are usually low in calories and fat.
Summer Vegetable Dishes
Chop a variety of summer vegetables up and saute them in a small amount of olive oil. Add some low sodium soy sauce or salt and pepper to taste. Include chopped vegetables in your soups and stews. Try making vegetables your main dish rather than your side dish by increasing the portion of vegetables on your plate and decreasing the amount of carbohydrates and protein in each meal.
Summer Fruit Snacks
Berries are a delicious treat for breakfast, snacks or for dessert. Make a berry salad and serve it with nonfat yogurt. Put berries on your cereals or pancakes in the morning. Make fruit kebabs by placing cubes of several colorful fruits on sticks. Keep fresh fruit in the house and at your desk at work for a light and refreshing snack.
Nutritional Recommendations
There are daily recommendations for the number of servings of fruits and vegetables, depending on your age, gender and physical activity level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For example, a 35-year-old female who engages in 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day should eat two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables per day. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into every meal and snack to meet your nutritional recommendations.
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