Healthy Foods for Summer
Summertime foods can be as unhealthy as they come—processed hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, refined sugar and dye-loaded slushes, etc. Here are some strategies to keep summertime snacks and meals healthy without missing out on the fun foods.
Keith Kantor
Always have color on your plate. Instead of chips and a burger, have a summer salad with a bun-less burger or steak and chicken kabobs.
At least half of your plate should be filled with vegetables and some fruits.
Instead of creamy dips, opt for heart-healthy dips, such as guacamole and hummus.
Ensure that a quarter of your plate is covered in high-quality protein, such as a bun-less burger or steak and chicken kabobs. Avoid processed meats like hot dogs or sausages.
If you like smoothies to keep you cool in the summer, avoid making them with excess sugar from juice. Opt for unsweetened almond or coconut milk as the base and add low-sugar fruit (the darker the fruit typically the lower the sugar, such as berries).
• Summer cocktails are hard to avoid on a vacation or at a get-together. Instead of high-calorie cocktails, go for a lowcalorie mixerthat includes naturally flavored sparkling water, fresh fruit (lime is a great choice), stevia, fresh mint leaves, and liquor.
Dr. Kantor has been an advocate of natural food and healthy living for 27 years. In 1994 he was appointed CEO of Service Foods, Inc., the largest all /1 naturalfood company of its kind in the United States.
Chicken or Steak Kabobs
PREP 10 MIN. COOK 20 MIN. SERVES 4
Ingredients:
1 lb. Chicken breast or steak filet cubed and ready to go on skewer
Chopped green pepper (large enough for skewer)
Chopped red onion (large enough for skewer)
4 Large skewers
Directions:
Put meat and vegetables onto the skewers
Grill on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes on each side or until juices run clear on chicken and desired "doneness" of steak.
