Eat with the Seasons: 7 Foods to Pack in Your Picnic Basket & Incorporate into Your Diet This Summer
Health

Eat with the Seasons: 7 Foods to Pack in Your Picnic Basket & Incorporate into Your Diet This Summer

In the blink of an eye, summer is here, with June 20th officially marking the Summer Solstice. As we prepare for backyard summer picnics, dining al fresco on the patio and maxi dress season, we can‚t help but get giddy about all the colorful produce coming into season! You probably know by now that our team at Vibrant Health is a fan of eating whole, in-season foods. That‚s why today on the blog we‚re sharing some of our favorite vibrant summer produce items to pack your grocery bags (and your picnic baskets) with. 1. Blueberries Why We Love it: Blueberries are known for their powerful source of antioxidants, and they also make the most delicious smoothie companion if we do say so ourselves. Not to mention, studies show that berries ‚ such as blueberries and strawberries ‚ play a key role in a heart-healthy diet. Try it Yourself: We love eating these juicy delights straight up ‚ in our smoothies, smoothie bowls, yogurts, oatmeal or by the handful! Freeze them to keep them fresh longer, while doubling as a cooling summer treat. 2. Summer Squash & Zucchini Why We Love it: Fill your plate with vibrant colors of yellow and green by choosing in-season summer squash and zucchini. They‚re having quite a moment right now, with their ability to act as a tasty, low-carb sub for pasta. High in Vitamin C, you‚ll also get an extra dose of antioxidants! Try it Yourself: Give Zoodles a go, with this simple Zucchini Noodles with Pesto dish! 3. Cucumber Why We Love it: Made up of roughly 96% water, cucumbers are super hydrating, making them a go-to for summer munching or fancy spa water. While they may be low-cal, they‚re packed with nutrients, including antioxidants. Try it Yourself: We love munching on these hydrating gems with some hummus, tzatziki dip or as is with a dash of sea salt! 4. Green Beans Why We Love it: There‚s nothing like fresh green beans straight from the garden or farmer‚s market! This crunchy, low-calorie favorite is packed with vitamins and minerals like folate, Vitamin C and A. Try it Yourself: Give this Summer Garden Salad a whirl ‚ bringing together some of the season‚s finest ingredients like green beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes. It‚s tossed with refreshingly herby Basil Vinaigrette! 5. Salad Greens Why We Love it: You know we‚re a fan of eating your greens over at Vibrant Health, so we‚re thrilled they‚ve been in season for several months now! We love that they‚re packed with energizing phytonutrients and chlorophyll, and also super versatile. Plus studies show that consumption of green leafy vegetables may help slow cognitive decline. Try it Yourself: Make it the summer of salads, packing your bowl to the brim with vibrant greens. Shake up Taco Tuesday with this Healthy Taco Salad ‚ made with crispy greens, black beans, veggies and a zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing! 6. Tomatoes Why We Love it: Giving them their bright red color, the lycopene in tomatoes may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, though research is still limited. They‚re also a good source of Vitamin C, A and K. Win, win. Try it Yourself: Slice ‚òem up on your favorite burger, layer them on skewers with mozzarella and fresh basil, or whip up this Tomato and Zucchini Frittata. 7. Watermelon Why We Love it: Watermelon brings us back to being a kid, and is a favorite summer treat! Like cucumber, watermelon is made up of mostly water, making for a super hydrating snack. And similar to tomatoes, watermelon contains the antioxidant lycopene ‚ being studied for its potential to ward off life-threatening diseases. Try it Yourself: While you can‚t go wrong with fresh sliced watermelon, these Watermelon and Feta Skewers scream summer if you‚re looking to shake things up! DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.