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Denise Austin

This Summer Eat Fresh, Seasonal Foods To Feel Lighter And More Energized!

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Nutrition

Hi everyone! I love summer - one of the best times of year to enjoy the outdoors and all the fresh, seasonal foods that come along with it! In the summer I like to eat lighter, nourishing foods that give me energy for morning yoga stretches, walks and workouts, so I can take advantage of mother nature all day long! That’s why cooling, hydrating, fueling foods that are easy to digest and help prevent bloating are on my summer grocery lists. Read on for the foods I suggest and some ways to prepare them, so you feel and look energized from the inside out! 

Denise’s Top 5 Refreshing Summer Foods

1.Berries. These are a staple in our kitchen - they are a delicious snack, add extra fiber and antioxidants to your oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies, and are in season now! For summer they are especially helpful when it comes to supporting your skin - antioxidants support skin health and help reduce inflammation. A simple, healthy snack when you crave sweets! My Antioxidant Super Food Smoothie in my Membership is chock full of berries to keep you satisfied and energized!

    2.Watermelon. If you are looking for a food that keeps you hydrated, helps support your heart and skin health, and can help reduce bloating, add a watermelon to your shopping list! Made up of over 90% water, this summer staple is sweet and satisfying. I like to keep cut-up watermelon in the fridge to help cool off on hot days - add some fresh mint to elevate it for company!

    3.Cucumbers. Another de-bloating food that has a high water content, cucumbers are delicious in water or sliced and added to salads. They help reduce water retention, so you look and feel your best in your swimsuits. My Lemon Chicken with Dilled Cucumber-Pea Salad is the perfect pairing of lean protein (for energy and healthy muscles) and fiber - a summer meal win-win! Join my Membership to get this recipe and more!

    4.Leafy Greens. Kale and spinach aren’t just for cooler months - prepared in a lighter way, they are summertime staples! Add spinach to smoothies, and swap in kale in a Caesar salad for extra vitamins and minerals. Both support digestion and reduce sluggishness, so you feel nourished without feeling weighed down.

    5.Tomatoes. There’s nothing like a fresh, ripe tomato in summertime! Did you know lycopene - what makes tomatoes red - is an antioxidant that can help support your skin when exposed to the sun? Slice them up with basil, balsamic and olive oil (the oil helps your body absorb those nutrients even better), and you will be doing your body and skin some good this season.

    Eating fresh, seasonal foods is one of the easiest ways to boost your energy, feel lighter, and support your active lifestyle with antioxidants, fiber and vitamins, so I hope you add some of these foods to your summer menu! You can find recipes for these foods and so much more in my Membership - try my Eat Like Denise or Anti-Inflammatory Walking Programs for daily meal ideas, or use my recipe library to get your culinary creative juices flowing!

    Let’s live FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY - together!

    Denise