Healthy food is here and with it, the heat! Sometimes we just want to eat some ice cream or whip up a fruit shake in the blender. However, these aren't really the healthiest options out there so we need healthy food ideas this summer. So what can we do? To get you started, we've compiled a list of tips, healthy food recipes, and healthy restaurants to serve your overall health kick this season.
1. Lemon and Cucumber Water
Lemon and Cucumber water is pretty popular these days. Not only does it keep you hydrated, it also has that refreshing punch to it. Moreover, it has many health benefits such as clear skin, improved digestion, high energy levels, and detoxify your body.
All you need are the following:
Ice cubes
Lemon slices
Cucumber slices
Mint leaves
For best results, you can squeeze a bit of the lemon juice into the water as well. Please keep it in the fridge overnight or for a few hours to infuse the water with the flavors. It's a great drink to bring with you to your outdoor explorations with friends or to the beach on a hot summer day.
2. Chicken Carnitas with Mexican Slaw
Have a tastier and healthier dinner with the family by putting together this fantastic Mexican slaw. It will only take fifteen minutes of your time and lasts for about three days if you keep it refrigerated. This is perfect for chicken carnitas or delicious tacos!
Let's start with the Mexican slaw. You'll need the following ingredients:
1 pound shredded cabbage
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
1/2 cup cilantro
1/4-1/2 of
Jalapeno
Lime zest
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
Pepper to taste
Mix ingredients
together in a bowl. Add salt and lime last, and toss them together. Keep the salad in the fridge until ready to serve. Now, you can order from your local Taco Bell and serve the Mexican slaw with it, but if you want to be a little extra, you can also get the ingredients ready for your home-cooked chicken carnitas!
Gather the following ingredients:
1 diced onion
1 tablespoon oil
6 chopped garlic cloves
1 tbsp. coriander
1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. of salt
1/4 tsp. chipotle powder
cup of water
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
A can of green chilies (diced; optional)
3 pounds of chicken breast
1 tbsp. of cumin
1 tbsp. dried oregano
Start by pouring the oil into your pan. Then sauté the garlic and onion for two minutes. Wait until the garlic has turned golden then pour in your spices and salt. Add soy, vinegar, and water along with the oregano. If you chose to put green chilies, you could also add them already. Place the chicken into the sauce, wait for i t to simmer. Cover the pot and keep the stove at low heat f or the next forty-five minutes. You can also check on the meat after 35-40 minutes. If it shreds quickly, then it is already cooked. Shred the meat and simmer until some of the liquid has evaporated. This will take about 5-10 minutes. If you want the carnitas to be very crispy, then cook until all the liquid is gone. Finally, pan sear the meat and serve with some pita bread and the Mexican slaw.
3. Tuna Wrap
If you prefer a healthy option of the seafood variety, then you can quickly make your own tuna wrap. The filling is also great to use as a bread spread whenever you want to change up your sandwiches. With a hint of pineapple, this recipe is refreshing and healthy food for summer.
You'll need to prepare the following ingredients:
2 cans of tuna
Mayonnaise
Pineapple tidbits or chunks
Chopped Celery
Diced onions
Lettuce
Salt and pepper to taste
Start by draining your canned tuna in a strainer. While waiting, you can get started on chopping up your celery and onions. Once the tuna is drained, place it in the container and add the onions and celery. Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise in. You can add more if you feel like it's too dry. Finally, throw in the small pineapple tidbits you have and add salt and pepper. You can eat the dish wrapped in lettuce, or you can also add it to your sandwich.
4. Healthy Snacks
If you're running out of healthy snacks and foods around the house, then maybe you need to hit up a local eatery or grocery with healthy options. Grocers like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods have a lot of cheap healthy food items, snacks, and drinks that won't break the bank. They have every type of healthy milk (whether you're looking for soy, almond, or even oat milk). They have a great selection of cereals and granolas for the great and healthy breakfast you need to fuel your day too.
5. Sweetberry Bowls
Another healthy restaurant that you can even order from is Sweetberry Bowls. You can customize a ton of their options, including their very popular Acai Bowls! All their products are vegan and vegetarian-friendly! With over 13 restaurants all over the country, they will surely pop up whenever you search for a "healthy restaurant near me." Aside from their very delicious acai bowls, they also have a variety of wraps, salads, smoothies, and even cheap healthy food options! It's your go-to healthy restaurant with all the healthy stops!
Summer is truly a fun and adventurous season. You don't just get to explore new places; you also have time to explore the kitchen by trying out fresh food and new recipes. If the kitchen isn't the place for you, there are always great restaurants that serve healthy options and the best Acai Bowl you can find. So make sure to keep looking for those healthy food ideas for the summer and stay in shape while having a great time!
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