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Summer is the perfect season for outdoor adventures. It also provides a great opportunity to incorporate fresh, locally grown produce into your diet to support you on all those outings. These summertime eating tips can help keep you healthy, hydrated and energized.
When it comes to produce, you can choose fresh, frozen or canned. Which is best? Fresh produce often has the best flavor, and it doesn't have sugar or salt added to it. Plus, lots of produce is in season in the summer. It's easily accessible and often less expensive during the summer.
Frozen fruits and veggies can be a good alternative. They're frozen when they're perfectly ripe and they often have a texture and flavor similar to their fresh counterparts. Canned options can also offer a healthy option that lasts longer than the other types of produce, however, they can have a lot of added salt and sugar, so check the ingredients.
During the summer, try to fill your cart with fresh fruits and vegetables when possible, but keep in mind the shelf life of each item. If you're going on vacation soon, cut back on your purchases. Buy quantities you know you can eat before the food goes bad. Frozen and canned foods can be a better option in the winter when fresh options aren't as readily available.
Buying in-season produce gives you the most flavorful options for your dinner plate. The good news is that many options are at their prime in the summer. Some examples include:
Shopping seasonally helps you get the freshest, best-tasting options.
If you're looking for a quick outing that also supports healthy summertime eating habits, local farmers' markets are ideal. Each booth is like a whole new world waiting to be discovered. You'll find a variety of fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies from various vendors. They're also bursting with fresh baked goods, cheeses, handcrafted items and much more. You can typically grab several hot, prepared food options as well, so you can eat while you peruse the offerings. Two local options include the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market and the Annapolis Royal Farmers & Traders Market.
Another great way to explore the local scene is by attending food festivals and events. You can find a variety of options that center around food, but almost every festival, no matter what the theme, has amazing food options. Its location on the bay makes Annapolis a popular spot for seafood-themed events, including Crab Feast and the Maryland Seafood Festival. While you're there, you can savor the delicious food options in moderation, get exercise and enjoy other types of entertainment.
Summer is often a time for cookouts with friends and celebrations for holidays, such as Independence Day. Along with those invites, you often face a lot of temptations when it comes to food. Fill your plate with a balance of foods. Let yourself splurge on some of your summer favorites, but balance them out with fruits, vegetables and other healthy options. If you're concerned about having enough healthy options, consider bringing a healthy side dish to contribute so you're guaranteed at least one healthier dish.
Staying hydrated while you're out exploring this summer is essential for staying healthy and safe. While drinking water is important, you can also hydrate through your diet. Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content, which can help keep you hydrated. Some good options include:
Keep those water-heavy foods handy and ready to enjoy in the summer to keep yourself well-hydrated. Having prepared fruits and vegetables in the fridge makes a convenient and hydrating snack option or an easy addition to your meals.
The Village at Providence Point—A National Lutheran Community will seek to provide a great home base for all your summer adventures. Dining options will help nourish your body with a wide variety from casual to gourmet. Contact us to learn more about this new Life Plan Community coming soon to Annapolis, Maryland.
