How to Plan Nutritious and Enjoyable Summertime Meals

It's summertime, and what better way to celebrate than with meals that take advantage of fresh seasonal produce. Fresh and light are the key words to nutritious and enjoyable meals in the summer. Use these tips to plan nutritious and enjoyable summertime meals.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fresh Seasonal Produce
• Microwave
• Outdoor Grill
• Meal Planning Journal or Notebook and Pen

1. Plan your meals around the abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that are available in the summertime. Use assorted berries, peppers, corn and melons. Add rosemary, basil, chives and other seasonal herbs for flavor.

2. Don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Eat light instead of heavy meals during the summer. Plan quick and nutritious snacks that can be served at a moment's notice.

3. Grilling should be your first method of preparing the meal. Cook outside as much as possible. Microwave cooking should be your second choice, followed by stove-top. Limit oven usage to once every two weeks if possible.

4. Prepare microwavable breakfast, lunch and dinner meals in advance. Freeze in airtight containers. With the addition of no-fuss side dishes and crisp vegetable salads you can have a balanced meal in 5 minutes or less.

5. Summertime is the best time for picnics and beach parties. Prepare a picnic meal at least once each week. Have a breakfast picnic one week, followed by a lunch one the next week and ending with a dinner picnic the third week. Repeat the rotation using a variety of picnic and summer party ideas.

6. Make foods that can be eaten with the fingers as often as possible such as sandwiches, skewered vegetables, chips and dips, shrimp, corn-on-the-cob, and other delightful foods.

7. Prepare light frozen fruit desserts or snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth and boost your energy level after a hot day. Crush ice and mix with fruit for a refreshing smoothie, or scoop out some ice cream. Cool down with refreshing fruit juices or unsweetened iced tea.

Resources

• How to Enjoy a Glass of Iced Tea
• How to Enjoy a Relaxing Summertime Bath