Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start rethinking your meal choices and focusing on healthier options. By lightening up your summer foods, you can have more energy for all the fun seasonal activities and look great while doing them too!
Here are some ideas for healthy summer recipes and tips for enjoying nutritious, seasonal meals even if you have a busy schedule or don’t like to cook.
Healthy Summer Breakfast Ideas
In many households, breakfast is the most rushed meal of the day and consumed either on-the-go or on the way out the door. Breakfast parfaits with yogurt, fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds are great options if you have a little time to eat at home while enjoying the sunrise. Meanwhile, fruit and veggie smoothies are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts when you’re in a rush.
Here’s a summer-inspired breakfast smoothie recipe to try. Chop up your produce in advance to get a head-start in the morning!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups fresh slices of peaches
- 1 banana, sliced
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup silken tofu (for a protein boost)
- 1 cup almond milk
DIRECTIONS:
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and pour into two glasses to share with someone you love.
Lighten Up Your Summertime Lunches
Salads are a lunchtime staple in the summer, but not all salads are the same. Especially right now, it’s a good idea to skip the extra cheese, full-fat dressing, and salty croutons.
Instead, try these refreshing and nutritious ingredients for your summer salads at lunch:
- Strawberries
- Walnuts
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella
- Chickpeas
- Avocados
Healthy Dinner Recipes for Summer
There’s nothing better than making the most of your outdoor living space while enjoying dinner out by the grill in your yard. Healthy dinner recipes don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, especially when you focus your menu on whole, fresh, and in-season foods.
Here’s a grilled vegetarian kabob recipe for your next backyard barbecue or easy family dinner. You can use a store-bought marinade for the recipe or make your own with a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spices.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 orange bell pepper, cut in chunks
- 1 red onion, cut in chunks
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms
- 1 yellow squash, cut into rounds
- 1 zucchini, cut into rounds
- Fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
DIRECTIONS:
- Alternate cut vegetables and fruit on skewers.
- Brush them with your marinade and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Place skewers on the grill until they are tender and crispy on the outside.
- Allow to cool and enjoy!
Enlist the Help of a Personal Chef This Summer
All of these healthy summer recipes focus on simplicity for busy families, but if you want to take your healthy eating plan one step further, it might be time to consider hiring a personal chef. Not only can a personal chef make your life easier and your summer more enjoyable by preparing delicious and hassle-free meals, but this household staff member can also help you stick to your health goals and accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.
For your summer parties, a gourmet chef can really “wow” your guests while helping them eat healthier too. Whether you need a little healthy eating guidance, want more variety in your meals, or are planning a few summer gatherings, Household Staffing International is the name to know. Contact us today to tell us more about your healthy eating goals and we’ll be happy to introduce you to personal chef candidates that will help you achieve them!