On the Menu: What to Eat on Summer Days
Summer has finally arrived, and, with that, a new bounty of seasonal crops. There’s nothing quite like spending a lazy weekend exploring the local farmer’s market, packed with people and the best produce the season has to offer.
Many popular warm-weather foods are nutritionally dense, offering the added bonus of helping you get the vitamins and nutrients you need to remain healthy. At Meadow Lakes, we’ve created this list of some of our favorite seasonal foods and recipes for summer.
Best Summer Foods in Season
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are freshest during the summer months and are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C and potassium.
Cucumbers: This hydrating vegetable is low-calorie and offers many nutritional benefits. Advantages include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Watermelon: The traditional taste of summer, this fruit is low in fat and has more of the cancer-combating antioxidant lycopene than any other fresh fruit or veggie. Watermelon also contains significant amounts of vitamins and is packed with potassium, which is important for those suffering from a potassium deficiency sometimes brought on by blood pressure medications.
Berries: Whether you prefer strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries – summer is the time for you to stock up on berries. Berries are considered among the healthiest foods on Earth. These sweet treats are loaded with antioxidants, high in fiber and help fight inflammation.
Peaches: Peaches are a low-calorie, juicy indulgence. Fresh peaches are a good source of vitamin C, which is required for the building of connective tissue inside the human body and helps the body fight off infections.
Healthy Summer Dinner Recipes
Greek Pasta Salad: Classic Greek flavors, featuring nutrient-rich cucumbers and tomatoes, are featured in this pasta dish. For even more protein, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken to the original recipe.
Fresh Corn Cakes with Summer Salsa: This quick entrée is packed with seasonal produce. Corn, yellow squash and tomatoes make a vegetarian corn cake dish, offering nutrient-rich ingredients bursting with flavor. For an increase in protein, make an herby white bean and arugula salad as a side dish.
Enjoy Seasonal Foods Year-Round at Meadow Lakes
The chefs at Meadow Lakes ensure the freshest ingredients are used in each dish. Our rotating menus feature seasonal offerings, so nutrition and quality truly make our food stand apart. We’d love for you to join us for a meal – contact us today to schedule your personal tour.
