Summer Slimming Foods

Chandi Schwab
For my 8 week challenge I have been trying to eat healthier.these first 2 weeks have not gone so hot. Apparently you feel starving for 2 weeks after running a marathon. It's a good excuse anyway right?The truth is I let myself get into that vicious cycle I always talk about. Where one bad food choice leads to a million and I feel so sick at the end of the day. These past couple of days I am really trying to get back on track and focus on eating right. Here are some summer slimming foods to add to your cart next time you get to the store.

Strawberry Delight
Who can resist a bowl of juicy red berries? Pop ’em freely, because they’re the perfect summer snack: filling, light on calories and laden with nutrients from omega 3 fats to cancer-fighting polyphenols. “Just half a cup of strawberries provides over 70 percent of your daily Vitamin C, plus fiber and an array of antioxidants.


True Blue
Brimming with good stuff, blueberries improve circulation and fight free-radical damage to cells and tissues. They’re super low-cal, yet so delectable—in color, texture and taste. Enjoy them on top of oatmeal, in whole-grain muffins, as a garnish for BBQ meats and even pureed into hamburger patties—they add incredible moistness and


Plum Pick
"Whether eaten whole, dried or pureed into sauces, plums are low in calories and a good source of both dietary fibers and Vitamin C. Dried plums (also known as prunes) are the perfect grab-and-go healthy snack, and they make a rich, sweet dessert when stewed into compote. Plus, they can help suppress appetite thanks to their low glycemic load.

Oh, My Squash

From pattypan to zucchini, summer squash delivers major vitamins and nutrients (including magnesium, potassium and copper), to the tune of a mere 80 calories per half cup. With its bright colors and earthy flavor, squash makes the perfect side dish to any meal. On BBQ days, toss zucchini on the grill.

Ring the Bell
Bell peppers, that is. “Sweet red peppers are such a good source of beta carotene, and top the charts of vegetables for that important antioxidant. Green bell peppers also contain generous amounts of Vitamin C.” Peppers, like zucchini, grill up beautifully…for a rich, colorful side dish that fills you up on just a few calories.


Mango for It
Dense with antioxidants—plus protein and omega 3 fats—mangoes are a delicious, low-calorie way to bulk up meals with exotic flavor, ensuring "healthy" fare doesn’t fall into a rut. Toss on top of oatmeal or yogurt, in salads and even in stir-fries.


Can't Beet 'Em
One of the real gems found in beets is the B vitamin folate,” a key nutrient for women.
Beets help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer.” Naturally sweet and agreeably buttery, beets can turn a salad into something special without adding lots of calories.

Where the Buffalo Roam
No need to give up red meat when you’re grilling. Bison (or buffalo) burger is naturally lean, far lower in fat and calories than beef, chicken or pork. Plus, it’s a great source of iron and omega 3 fats. Try the patties open-faced with half a bun, and hold the cheese and mayo while piling on the mustard, relish and salsa.



"Fig"-ure Friendly
If Mother Nature had a vote for her ultimate superfruit, figs would be it.
And why not: they pack fiber, potassium, folate and vitamins for heart health into one incredibly sweet, low-cal fruit. And with 6,000 years of staying power, figs might have even kept Cleopatra trim. For a snack that sticks with you, try the black mission style—the seeds release even more nutrients, plus omega fats.


Just Peachy
Why pass up dessert when the “stone fruits” of summer (think peaches and nectarines) can make for a guilt-free sweet treat? Tossed on the grill, peaches and nectarines get even more flavorful as the heat caramelizes their natural sugars. Top with low-fat ice cream, and you won’t feel one bit deprived.
(villagehealth.com)