With the holidays, picnics, outdoor barbecues and street parties that summer entails, our schedules can get thrown off a bit. As can our eating routines, and many Brits neglect their normally well-balanced diet. What you may not know is that summer is actually the best time to follow an eating regime, or even eat healthy effortlessly.
It’s normal to have a smaller appetite than usual, and with the heat, our bodies usually crave light and fresh foods such as fruit or cold soups. And if we overeat during the festivities just a bit, there is nothing to worry about — over indulging during a dinner with friends is normal and the key is to make up for it during the rest of our meals and return to a balanced diet as soon as possible. Here are some expert tricks that will allow you to enjoy the summer and go out with friends without having to worry about your waist line: 1. To delight in a refreshlingly cold treat without the guilt, substitute ice cream for frozen yogurt. It’s very healthy, low in calories, and more importantly, delicious! 2. Avoid alcohol and sweetened soft drinks. They don't provide any nutrients and have a high calorie count. Sip an iced coffee, tea or cold water instead 3. No snacking between meals. And if you do, resist the temptation for crisps and nuts. Instead, choose some pickles or a piece of fruit to satisfy your appetite 4. Try to keep your usual eating timetable, and above all, don’t skip any meals. You should aim for a strong breakfast, a substantial midday lunch and a light dinner 5. Always have a bottle of mineral water with you and try to drink 1 to 2 litres a day. It will help you eliminate toxins and remain hydrated 6. If you fancy eating out, try an Asian restaurant. Second only to the Mediterranean diet, it’s considered the most nutritious type of cuisine 7. For a snack, try chunks of fruit. Their juicy goodness is refreshing and non-fattening. If you prefer a sandwich, combine turkey or cooked ham with whole wheat bread 8. When cooking, replace salt with other spices. They’ll give your meals flavour and aroma, and help you reduce high blood pressure 9. If you’re short on time, you can opt for frozen and tinned foods. Vegetables, fish, and pulses are all beneficial and easy to prepare.
