Summer Freshness: What to Eat to Stay Fit in Summer
Seasonal eating has been a mainstay in my diet and lifestyle for many years. I feel that my body assimilates the food better and provides me with more energy and feel less dull if I eat this way. Just as certain vegetables grow better during different seasons, I believe that we should be eating in accordance with that cycle. In Hong Kong, summer means humidity and hot, hot, hot! We all plan to look bit better with less clothes on so we want to shed a few pounds, wear fitter clothes, swimsuits, go out to the beach, and show off that body.
The key word for the summer is “FRESH”!
As the body shifts into burning faster calories, the foods that we eat should reflect the increase in metabolic rate. Foods such as leafy greens, more fruits, and brightly coloured vegetables are the ones we need. We should eat more aerial foods (above ground) than root vegetables. This is the season of light dishes, raw foods, grilling, but not stews. Soups are debatable and would depend on the ingredients of the soup.
And finally…Hydration! Water intake increases X fold and water and electrolyte loss will be greater compared to the cooler months. Staying hydrated, drinking lots of fluids…of course minus the sugary drinks, will be beneficial. Processed sugar retains water and you might get that bloated feeling.
Summer recipes to stay fit and healthy
Try out these refreshing and nourishing recipes for in the summer to share with your friends and family at a pick nick or barbecue!
Berry-licious Iced Tea Spritzer
Ingredients:
Mixed Berries of your choice – blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries
Brew fresh leafy herbal tea of your choice – chamomile, lavender, mint, etc
And Soda water or a bottle of traditional Kombucha – for the ‘fizziness’
Directions: Macerate the berries in the serving vessel. Steep tea leaves to desired taste and pour into berry mix. Leave in the fridge until serving, and can add ice as an option and pour in soda water or kombucha.
Modified Waldorf Salad
Ingredients:
Spinach
Zest of 1 Lemon
Handful of Pecans
1 Granny Smith Apple
Dressing:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – add at the end
20 Pecans
Juice of 1 Apple
2 tsp of dijon mustard
Squeeze of 1/2 a lemon
Agave Nectar/Stevia/Raw Honey to taste
Directions: Toast Pecans in pan and put into blender along with other ingredients. Option: Roughly chop pecans then mix into other ingredients and stir in extra virgin olive oil.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil/Oil of choice (Grapeseed or Sunflower)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Directions: Mix all the ingredients with the dressing and it is ready to be served!
Enjoy summer and life with your family and friends! Know more professional recommendations and tips on how you can stay healthy and fit this summer. Book an appointment with registered kinesiologist and nutrition health coach Catherine Hermant.
Years ago, I was pursuing a successful Global career in marketing and business, leading large investment projects and jetting around the Globe.
Although I enjoyed the success and the attention I received, my physical body was tired and my mind completely exhausted. The role I was playing wasn’t me.
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can manifest as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts, and can appear on various parts of the body, including the face, chest, back, and shoulders.
Chakras are energy centers that exist within our bodies, and they play a vital role in our overall well-being. In ancient Eastern traditions, there are seven main chakras aligned along the spine, each corresponding to different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.