The transition from cold to warmer weather brings about a number of changes to our lifestyle and health. During the warmer months of the year, your body will naturally crave different foods and your typical workout schedule and diet may be disrupted by social commitments.
It is important to maintain our health throughout the months of Summer to fuel our bodies with energy, confidence and nutrients. Above all, this is a great time to find balance in our lives so we can enjoy all the things we love, while feeling amazing.
We know that between holidays, events and end of year celebrations, maintaining a healthy movement routine and balanced diet can be difficult. So we’ve made it easy for you.
The Fluidform Healthy Summer Guide will outline:
- How to use and enhance the nutrition of seasonal Summer produce
- Healthy Summer swaps for adults and children
- How to set yourself up for success when you are out and about all day
Welcome to part one – Eating with the seasons: Seasonal Summer Produce
One of my favourite parts of Summer is the array of fruits and vegetables that flourish in the warmer weather. Not only are they delicious, but they bring a number of vitamins and nutrients into our diets.
Benefits to Seasonal Eating
- Seasonal produce means the specific fruits and vegetables have reached their peak freshness at this time of year. Fresh, ripe produce is often the most delicious. The flavours are intensified and the textures are rich and digestible.
- When produce has reached this fresh and ripe peak, the nutritional value is greater and easily absorbed.
- Seasonal produce is easier to grow and source in an abundance, making them more accessible and cost-effective.
- Seasonal produce is often grown, farmed and distributed locally, making it more sustainable to buy and eat.
Here are some of my favourites…
Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants that help our body reduce inflammation and even help fight against the physical signs of ageing. They are also one fruit option that is very low in natural sugar, making it a great snack or addition to your breakfast!
Try our Crunchy Granola & Berries in our Taste Of Summer Meal Plan.
Mango
A quintessential Summer fruit – mangoes are an amazing source of vitamin C which aids in collagen products (glowing skin) and vitamin A which promotes healthy hair. A great way to protect your skin and hair when spending more time in the sun and salt water.
Try our Golden Immunity Smoothie or Summer Noodle Salad
Avocado
Not only is avocado detoxifying but it contains beautiful heart healthy fats that keep our skin and hormones healthy. Avocado is a plant-based source of fat which is incredibly important for healthy nutrition.
Try our Kale Breakfast Bowl
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a beautiful refreshing vegetable to enjoy when it’s hot outside. They are a major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Try out Breakfast Bruschetta
Remember!
In Summer we tend to eat a lot more raw vegetables, as our bodies crave cooler foods. Did you know? The nutrients of raw foods are made more absorbable when consumed with a source of fat. Try pairing your raw fruits and vegetables with olive oil, nuts and avocados to reap the nutritional benefits of these ingredients.
