What better way to bring in the springtime season than to sit down and prepare your new summer menu! Gone are the heavy foods that kept us warm through out the winter. It’s time to turn our palettes towards simple, cool foods that are easy to prepare and easy on the diet!
1. Bring on the veggies!
Break into spring by trying out the fresh taste of vegetables. Vegetable and dips are favorites for entertaining and at buffets, but you should make sure you treat yourself by having plenty of fresh vegetables on hand. Looking for a new dip? Try mixing fat-free sour cream or fat-free plain yogurt with a little curry powder or fat-free ranch dressing mix.
2. Frozen fruit candy.
Frozen berries are available year round for pies and desserts, but have you ever thought about eating them as candy? Keep frozen strawberries on hand, and when the urge to snack hits you, just pop a frozen berry in your mouth. The flavor will become more intense as it melts in your mouth and the time it takes to crunch away at the berry is probably just enough time to get you through that snack attack.
3. Veggies quesadillas, anyone?
Great for your first barbecue of the year or as a snack. Simply take a low-fat tortilla, sprinkle on a tablespoon of grated low-fat cheese and some sliced mushrooms, onions and peppers. Fold in half and zap it in the microwave for a minute.
4. Fruit salad sensations.
Making yourself a fresh fruit salad, sweetened with a teaspoon of honey, is a great way to get in your recommended servings of fruit every day! Your body will love the punch of vitamins and fiber – as well as the taste!
5. Fresh blueberries – just as they are!
Blueberries are the new super-food! Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, blueberries are lush and delicious and best enjoyed plain and fresh!
6. Fruit smoothies to go!
The sun is shining, it’s a beautiful day and you’re taking a walk along a path – while sipping a delicious fruit smoothie with you. What could be more refreshing? Whip together ½ a cup of low-fat yogurt, ½ a cup of fresh berries and ½ a cup of non-fat milk and you’ll be well on your way!
7. Go Organic – have a salad!
Visit your local organic market and pick up a bag of fresh organic greens. Toss with some non-fat dressing and enjoy the tastes of nature as they were meant to be. Try adding some mandarin orange slices or pomegranate juice to the mix!
8. More than just a tuna melt.
How can a tuna melt be exciting? Easy! Try searing thinly sliced fresh tuna and tossing it with some non-fat mayo and ½ a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Spread the tuna mixture on a slice of high-fiber whole wheat bread and top with a thin slice of low-fat Swiss cheese. Broil and enjoy!
9. Trail mix with a difference.
A mixture of raisins, pistachios, peanuts and fat-free pretzel sticks is a great treat for those mid-day cravings. Try adding some soy nuts to the mix for added protein.
The aroma and flavor of lemon is said to lift the spirits. Fat-free lemon sorbet is a springy sweet sensation almost everyone will enjoy. Try making some lemonade, sweetened with Splenda, to zip up your spring time afternoon!
