When I was a kid I couldn’t wait for summer to have sweet watermelon, juicy plums and peaches. These are just a few things that come to mind. But what really are the best foods for summer? Well it’s always best to go with your seasonal fruits and veggies. They will always be at the peak freshness and flavor. Years ago we didn’t have peaches all year long or watermelon for that matter. Probably why they were so welcomed come summer. The reality is a lot of these fruits and veggies actually help us with exposer to the sun and hydration. Mother Nature is amazing! I’d like to share with you a few of the fruits and veggies to incorporate into your summer menu.

1. Tomato’s: Filled with antioxidants and vitamin C. Contain phytochemical such as lycopene,
which aide in chronic diseases(especially cancer)

2. Zucchini: A summer squash. Zucchini contains a fiber called pectin, linked to increasing heart
health and lowering cholesterol.

3.Watermelon: The Hydration super starWatermelon’s high water content keeps you cool and
hydrated. Contains lycopene which protects skin cells from sun damage. The
high water content can help keep you feeling full, which could curb cravings. Great
for little ones that aren’t a fan of h2o!

4. Oranges: Oranges are about 80% water and rich in potassium. When we sweat we loose
potassium which can result in muscle cramps. Eating a few slices of this juicy
citrus fruit can hydrate you and replenish your potassium levels.

5. Celery & Fennel: Some other summer favorites tend to leave us feeling bloated. But these
two crunchy yummy snacks help alleviate that feeling. The act as diuretics by
stimulating your kidneys, flushing out waste and extra fluid from your body without
causing dehydration. Plus, plus for these little buggers!

6. Cantaloupe & Honeydew: Also diuretics, cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon which are
super important for women because of how affected we are by hormonal changes.

7. Blackberries & Raspberries: Very high in Vitamin C, Major antioxidants, low in sugar, low
calorie and 8 grams of fiber per cup. Need I say anymore? Oh yes, delicious!!

8. Apples, Figs & Pears: These are great source of fiber. Figs are so delicious in summer
months so take advantage. Just 2 figs have 1.5 grams of fiber. Apples and pears
need to be thoroughly washed before eating as the skin can have pesticide
residue.

9. Peaches, nectarines & Apricots: These 3 say it’s summer to me! Rich in fiber, vitamin C and
apricots have plenty of vitamin A. Yummy !

10. Dark leafy greens: These lovely will help save your skin. Your body converts Carotenoids
found in dark green and orange foods into vitamin A which protects your skin from
sun damage. No need to steam these these veggies, best eaten raw to get all the
nutrients.

11. Strawberries & Blueberries: Delicious little berries filled with flavonoids, which fight
disease. Flavonoids help increase blood flow to skin and decrease sensitivity to
light. Seeing that the days are longer in the summer this is a good thing for
protection from the sun. Packing a punch in the antioxidant department as well as
improving the appearance of skins structure and texture,Seriously what else could
we ask for!

This is pretty good list to get you on your way to healthy summer fruit & veggie choices. I’m sure you knew most of these items as summer items. Although most everything is available year round it seems everything taste so much better during it’s natural growing season. What I’d like to add is the idea of growing some of these items yourself. I know not everyone has a yard but many veggies can be grown in a pot. Tomatoes, peppers, as well as many herbs can be grown this way and they do well. You really don’t need much room even if your yard is small. There are many options. There are even options for indoor growing. Check out the items here that I thought were a good option.

I’ve also put together a few of my favorite recipes using some summer fruit and veggies. Enjoy, hope you like them!

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What are the best food for summer ?