Summer is that special season of the year when you have a huge choice of fruits and veggies to eat healthy every day, but there are also things like ice cream sandwiches, sweet drinks packed with sugar and calories, and a bunch of other staple summer foods you should avoid at all costs. This is the time to reconsider your diet, experiments with smoothies, create mouth-watering fruit bowls, and simply enjoy all the vitamins and nutrients that go with fresh summer produce. Here are 12 best and worst summer foods.
Best: Mango
Mango is generally considered the King of Fruits and for a reason! Mango is pulpy, sweet, refreshing, a bit tangy. It creates a perfect base for cooling summer drinks and desserts that taste like heaven. Apart from that, mangoes aid in digestion, boost immunity due to Vitamin C, promote eye health as well as gut health.
Worst: Snow Cones
Eating a slushy snow cone might seem like a good idea on a hot summer day, but believe when we say that you don’t want to go anywhere near this summer treat. Snow cones are made of corn syrup, a bunch of sugars, and shaved ice. There’s nothing good in them whatsoever! Instead opt for a popsicle made out of actual fruit juice.
Best: Watermelon
Watermelon is yet another perfect summer fruit that is a powerful antioxidant and can be turned into a variety of yummy goodies like fruity popsicles or cooling watermelon ice cubes. It is the only fruit that will restore your water balance and hydrate every part of your body. It’s like water, only tastier!
Worst: Hot Dogs
According to the World Health Organization, processed meats like the ones you have in hot dogs are as dangerous to your health as asbestos and tobacco. Studies reveal a that compounds found in sausage casing cause colorectal cancer. A sandwich with a chicken breast will be a much safer option!
Best: Yoghurt
Yoghurt is the best treat when it comes to summer snacking. It’s packed with protein that keeps your tummy satiated for a long time and reduces cravings for friend and salty snacks. It’s low on fat, but rich with probiotics that promote gut health and improve digestion. Yoghurt also tastes amazing in combination with fruits and become a perfect base for you summer smoothie.
Worst: Sugar-Free Ice Cream
Yes, it’s sugar free, but to make this kind of ice cream tasty or at least edible, manufacturers pack it with so many chemicals that you’ll need a week of detox smoothies to get one such ice cream get out of your system. Sorbitol reduces the level of water in your body and dries up your intestines, while inulin that is used instead of fat, causes bloating and gases. Better go for one small serving of Gelato – it’ll be much tastier and heathier than any sugar-free abomination on the market.
Best: Muskmelon
Melons are rich with vitamins A and C, which improve both your immune system and eyesight. Eating muskmelons regularly will also give your skin a healthy glow, all the while fighting off harmful bacteria. Eat a chunk of muskmelon with your breakfast or add it to your fruit smoothie – it tastes amazing either way!
Worst: Bottled Iced Tea
Remember this – if it’s sweet, liquid, and you see it on the shelf in a supermarket, then just skip it! This is a general rule of thumb when it comes to summer drinks like soda, juice, and seemingly harmless options like iced tea. They all contain artificial sweeteners that only make you crave more sweets. And water that your body actually needs becomes beyond boring and you skip it more than you should. Better create your own iced tea with no sugar and a bit of lemon for a rejuvenating effect.
Best: Salads With Leafy Greens
And not just any leafy greens, but dark leafy greens like our favourite spinach and kale. They contain carotenoids and vitamin A that protect your skin from harmful UV rays, while moisturizing your skin and improving its overall health. Add some carrots and apricots for an extra boost of vitamins.
Worst: Ice Cream Sandwich
You’ve probably noticed that most ice creams aren’t a very healthy food and most of the time contain ingredients that are really bad for you. Ice cream sandwich here is packed with saturated fats and contains at least half of your daily calorie intake. Well, if you’re fine with eating just two ice cream sandwiches per day then it’s totally okay!
Best: Avocados
A great source of healthy fats, avocados are amazing no matter how you look at it. It’s nutritious and will keep your hunger at bay for a long time. It contains around 20 vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre that keeps your gut healthy. It also packs some really powerful antioxidants and can lower cholesterol levels. It’s just too good!
Worst: Charred Meats
If you’re into summer barbecues, we have bad news for you. Charred meats, chicken, and fish are a big no-no for those of you who want to eat and be healthy this summer. Animal proteins that go through a high-temperature cooking process create chemicals that are responsible for certain types of cancer. If you’re worried about your protein intake, try including more grilled veggies into your diet. Proteins can also be obtained from grains, legumes, dairy, and whatnot.