By: Sina D’Amico, RDN, LDN
With the summer season about to begin, it’s time to think of your favorite summertime dishes. Spending more time outside means more barbecues, picnics, pool parties and other gatherings. This brings the need and the taste for more fruits and veggies at all meals. The summer months brings a variety of fresh options that everyone will enjoy. Although some of these options can be bought year-round, the summer months are when they are at their peak and the freshest for you to enjoy.
- Blueberries
Blueberry season has arrived and the ways to enjoy this fruit are endless. Whether you need a new topping for a yogurt parfait, an addition to a fruit salad or a new smoothie flavor, blueberries are the answer!
2. Summer Squash
It’s time to switch gears from the typical broccoli and cauliflower as it starts to get warmer outside. Roast them in the oven or add them to your line up of grilled veggies, the people you’re feeding will like them either way.
3. Zucchini
Zucchini may be similar to summer squash so might as well add both during the summer. Making chicken or shrimp kabobs? Get zucchini in there.
4. Watermelon
It’s not a summer gathering without watermelon. This fruit is so refreshing after spending a long day in the summer sun. Whether it’s a fruit salad or sliced to serve at your next barbecue, your guests will be wanting more.
5. Mangos
Since mangos are only in their peak during the summer, why not enjoy them as much as you can? Add them to a tropical fruit salad, use a smoothie ingredient, or enjoy while sitting out by the pool – the options are endless!
6. Corn on the Cob
A summer barbecue is not complete without corn on the cob. My personal favorite way to prepare this is with salt, pepper, garlic powder and butter. Stick them on the grill and enjoy!
7. Peaches
Another fruit that reaches its ripeness during summer are peaches. As with other, you can add them to almost any fruit salad or as a side to your meal. If you’re looking for a snack, reaching for a peach is not a bad idea.
No matter what you’re up to this summer, adding these seven fruits and vegetables will make it that much better. Take the time to enjoy the freshness of these options and add them into your summer the way you like it. Whether by the pool or at a barbecue, your family and friends will thank you.
Sina D’Amico is a Sports Nutrition Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh where she works with Women’s Soccer and Track & Field. She works to ensure that the athletes are learning sustainable fueling habits for both in and out of season.
All photos from Canva unrestricted images.
