15 Slim Foods for the Summer

Posted by Shilpa A Sunday, 18 December 2011

Summer is often thought to be a time of sweltering heat and discomfort. However, the summer is also the perfect time to go on a fitness schedule as our bodies crave healthy cooling foods instead of fatty treats. Fruits and salads seem so much more appetizing in summer and you will find that it is quite easy to stick to a healthy diet since even the thought of deep fried foods will make you queasy. There are several slimming foods that you can include in your diet this summer to help you shed the excess pounds.

Melons

Watermelons, muskmelons, and honeydew melons have a high water content which makes them ideal summer fruits. A thick, cool slice of melon is sure to keep you refreshed and provide you with plenty of skin healthy vitamins which help to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Oranges

Oranges are high in vitamin C and flavonids which help in the fat burning process. Start your day with a tall glass of fresh orange juice or include oranges in your fruit salads to stay slim this summer.

Peaches

Peaches are very versatile fruits and can be consumed as juices or as part of a fruit platter. You can even include peaches in a chicken or pork salad. Top off this salad with honey and herbs to add a fresh and exotic twist to your salad.

Pears

These juicy crunchy fruits are perfect for a summer slimming diet as they have a high water content as well as a high fiber content. Refrigerate a couple of pears and then wash and slice them. This refreshing snack will keep you feeling satiated and will prevent hunger pangs.

Berries

Berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries should be included in your diet plan. Their high-antioxidant levels and their Vitamin C content will help to promote weight loss as well as prevent summer skin problems.

Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the most effective weight-loss vegetables. This is because it has a very high fiber content coupled with a low calorific value. Add a large serving of salad to your daily meals to help reduce your daily calorie intake without feeling those dreaded hunger pangs.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are cooling foods that are ideal for the hot summer months. This vegetable has a high nutritional value with a negligible amount of calories. Make sure that you stock your fridge with plenty of cucumbers so that you always have a low-calorie snack on hand.

Carrots

Carrots can be easily added to soups, a salad, a mixed vegetables dish, or even desserts. You can have a large bowl of thick carrot soup before your meal to minimize your meal serving and reduce your calorie intake.

Broccoli

Broccoli should be a part of any summer slimming diet as it contains several vitamins and minerals and has a high water-high fiber content. Broccoli is also well-known for its antioxidant properties. These properties help to protect the body from free radicals that are created when you are out in the sun for prolonged periods.

Zucchini

Zucchinis have such a low calorie content that it is considered to be a negative-calorie food. It is believed that the amount of calories your body requires to digest zucchini is more that the amount of calories it contains which would obviously lead to weight loss. Add zucchini to your daily meals to help you lose weight effortlessly.

Yogurt

Yogurt is often included in summer slimming diet plans as it is a low-calorie high-nutrition food. Recent research has also shown that the consumption of low-fat yoghurt promotes weight loss. Homemade smoothies flavored with fresh fruit and frozen yogurt pops are two cooling low-fat dessert options.

Buttermilk

Modern buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that is generally consumed during the summer. A tall glass of cool buttermilk is the perfect drink after you come in from the scorching sun.

Cooling Herbs

Spearmint, Peppermint, Alfalfa, and Lemongrass are classified as cool herbs. You can make your own cup of herbal tea and allow it to cool completely before you drink it. Have one cup a day to stay cool and refreshed despite the heat.

Seaweed

Edible seaweed is often used in delicious and exotic preparations. Seaweed has a very high moisture content and is also nutrient rich. You can make your own wakame seaweed salad as a cool and fun way to stay slim this summer.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is one of the most common and effective summer drinks. Have at least two glasses of fresh lemon juice on a daily basis as it is an essential aspect of a summer diet plan. Lemon juice helps the body to burn excess fat and helps to keep your skin healthy and blemish free.

The summer heat often makes us feel lazy and lethargic which causes us to be lax with our diet. Once you have started a summer slimming plan, it is important that you stay committed to it. Stay focused on your goals by constantly encouraging yourself. Keep in mind that this summer could well be a turning point in your life where you actually get down to shedding those excess pounds.