With an abundance of produce at its colorful peak, summer may be the ideal season to practice healthier eating. And a little practice is sometimes all it takes to make healthy changes that stick. Ready to practice?
Fresh from our nutrition team, here are your next three strategies for eating well and managing weight. Focus on just one, making it part of your life before you add the next one. And the next. Can you taste the change?
JULY: Eat a salad a day
A-salad-a-day is a simple strategy that can make a real difference in your health and your weight. When you pile half your plate with crunchy, colorful salad, you dial down calories while turning up nutrients, volume and fiber.
In July, make salad your daily specialty. Load it with all kinds of greens and veggies. Add a satisfying protein like grilled chicken, hard-boiled egg, tuna or black beans. Sprinkle on a heart-healthy fat like avocado, nuts or seeds. There’s no excuse for sad salads in the summer. Make yours sing.
Unlock the secret formula to sensational salads, including recipes for chopped chicken and sweet potato salad, homemade vinaigrette and more.
AUGUST: Go leaner on the grill
Grilling can be one of the healthiest ways to cook, if you do it right. In August, become a lean, clean, grilling machine. Choose lean proteins like fish, shrimp, scallops, pork loin and skinless chicken. When beef is on the menu, serve slices, not slabs, so you can “halve” your steak and eat it, too. And don’t forget your veggies. Zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms and onions do great on the grill — just toss them with a little oil and seasoning. Throw leftovers into salads and soups.
See more than 60 low-calorie grilling recipes, including grilled salmon with sweet peppers, balsamic pork tenderloin, summer vegetable gnocchi salad and more.
SEPTEMBER: Make soup
As summer leans into fall, make soup your food for all seasons. Whatever the weather, soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It also promotes fullness and has been linked to lower body weight.
On warm summer days, stay cool with chilled gazpacho or cucumber avocado soup. On chilly evenings, warm your belly with a hearty minestrone, chicken enchilada soup or cauliflower chowder.
Get 47 satisfying and healthy soup recipes.
