Roll Out Those Lazy, Hazy and Healthy Days of Summer

My goodness! Between hot dogs, sausage, mayo-laden salads and ice cream is it possible to maintain your weight during the summer? Well certainly!

Many can agree that people are often more active in the summer, but there are also some lower fat and very tasty options to the higher fat choices that are out there.

Try some of these fruits and vegetables that are currently in season.

Cherries – These summer treats are packed with antioxidants that can help decrease the pain of arthritis and gout.

Because of their dark red color, cherries are rich in lycopene. The danger with cherries is that people tend to overeat them.

Keep in mind that 12 cherries contain 60 calories.

Tomatoes – Full of lycopene, which helps reduce the risk of certain cancers, especially prostate cancer.

Cooked tomatoes contain even more lycopene, so throw some tomatoes on the grill for even more health benefits.

Eating tomatoes with a small amount of fat (i.e., salad dressing) allows lycopene to be better absorbed.

Watermelon – Packed with Vitamin C, which repairs and firms the skin, watermelon is also full of its namesake, water.

Hence, it’s an ideal way to stay hydrated during the heat.

And let’s face it, the ones with seeds are way fun to eat!

Be careful. As good as it is for you, don’t forget that one serving (approximately 1/2 cup) of any fruit is about 60 calories. Calories are calories.

Iced Green Tea – If you’re looking to drop weight this summer, skip the high-calorie soda and beer and opt instead for green tea.

It is thought that green tea can help boost your metabolism, and its specific antioxidants may help prevent certain types of cancer such as prostate, skin and ovarian.

Try making it into a frozen ice-pop by mixing it with sparking water.

Corn on the Cob – Who doesn’t love it? Skip the butter or margarine and save calories. Spritz it with olive oil and wrap it with foil before throwing it on the grill.

Or try it uncooked and au natural. I see people walking around the Old Forge Farmers’ Market munching on their just just-purchased corn.

Corn is brimming with fiber, which helps fill you up, so you eat less. Fiber has also been known to lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar.

Bean Salads – Try a bean salad rather than mayonnaise-laden sides such as potato salad and coleslaw.

Bean salads are the perfect combo of protein and fiber, ensuring you’ll stay satisfied for a long time.

Cookbooks and the internet are filled with healthier bean salad options.

Yellow Squash and Zucchini – Squash on the grill can round out a traditional summertime meal. They are both rich in Vitamin C.

The potassium in yellow squash (as well as in yellow pepper) helps the body regulate salt, which is especially important, considering how much sodium is in processed foods.

Potassium also plays a key role in brain function, helping nerves send messages to the whole body.

These are just a few ideas for some healthier summer options, though plenty more wonderful fruits and veggies are coming our way soon.

Every week the vendors at the Farmers’ Market (Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m., behind the Old Forge Hardware) bring an amazing assortment of seasonal produce to their tables for purchase by market-goers.

After all, variety is the spice of life!