June 2014
Quick, Cool Meals for Summer!
June is here and it just feels like summer all of a sudden! I’m not so much a hot weather person. I do, though, love the extra daylight hours and cooling off in the pool all summer long! This issue is devoted to keeping it quick and cool at mealtime and to all those great Dads out there on Father’s Day. I’ve created a Healthy Grill-Out meal for you guys and I hope you enjoy it. This month, think about putting good nutrition first while you make your quick, cool, summery meals and snacks – for great flavors and great health! It’s not easy, but it’s always worth it!
3 Quick, Cool Meal Ideas!
- Summer Tomato Meals: It may be a little soon for local tomatoes, but maybe you’ll find some at your favorite Farmer’s Market. I’ll be on the look-out at mine. Get these meals ready, though, as lucious summer tomatoes come our way.
- Creative Salad Meals: I challenge you to start getting creative with your salad meals. Change up the greens, the veggies, and the protein add-ins. A ‘meal salad’ has got to be the easiest way to cool down on a summer day – nutritiously.
- Healthy Sandwich Meals: Sandwich may sound like lunch but it can be dinner, too. In summer, a cold sandwich becomes a healthy meal when you add some raw veggies, cut up summer fruits and a tall glass of herb or lightly sweet tea. This works so well as your busy-day meal plan.
Easy Solutions!
A Blog about Creative Salads and Easy Salad Dressing You Can Make Yourself! Learning to make your own salad dressing will bring out all the bright flavors of your fresh salad ingredients.
I write a new blog every week so please click here to read about a topic you enjoy. The new search feature allows you to look for healthy recipes, grocery shopping tips or anything that inspires your good nutrition goals.
Recipes For A Healthy Grill-Out for Dad!
BBQ Chicken is a favorite. This year, try making your own sauce, too. Here is a recipe for homemade BBQ sauce which I suggest making with half of the brown sugar listed. Try wrapping your corn-on-the-cob with aluminum foil and roasting it on the grill beside the chicken and balance your meal with a healthy coleslaw and slice of melon.
A Mediterranean-style Grilled Fish is another option. Simply brush the fish with a little olive oil and sprinkle it with dried or chopped, fresh herbs and then grill. Beside the fish, try a tossed green salad and baked sweet potato fries. For dessert, fresh strawberries & yogurt is a winner.
Vegetable Kabobs brushed with a combination of balsamic vinegar and oil are a satisfying meal when served over couscous or quinoa. They also work as a healthy and tasty side dish. Any combination of veggies will work, such as chunks of eggplant, sweet onions, mushrooms and zucchini.
Grilled Romaine Lettuce is trendy these days. Split your cleaned head of Romaine in half and lay it on the hot grill ‘face down’ for just 30-45 seconds, then remove. Drizzle with your favorite salad dressing and enjoy.
Kitchen Resource!
Tasty E-Book Sale – 25% off ‘Tasty Menus & Shopping Lists’ this Month Only!
Is it time to add some new menus to your family table? Let us help with 15 easy-to-fix, good for you menus and shopping lists to match. This downloadable e-book will help you climb out of your menu rut and start fresh again. Don’t miss the 25% discounted price for the month of June only. Sale ends at midnight on June 30. Click here to take advantage of this offer.Please Use Code junediscount to save!
Nutrition Inspiration!
Where do you get inspiration to eat nutritiously? As summer begins – officially on June 21 – there will be plenty of colorful and nutritious fruits coming in locally. Celebrate their flavors by making a fruit salad, like the one above, a fruit smoothie, a fruit and yogurt parfait and a fun fruit pizza. If you go berry picking, then be sure to pick more than you need and freeze some for later. And, finally, make fruit your healthy summer dessert!
Take Action Now!
Please note that I am an in-network provider of nutritional counseling for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina*. I am accepting new clients and will be delighted to help you achieve your health and nutrition goals. Contact Cindy to find out more or to set up your first appointment!
*Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Summer!
Cindy
Cindy Silver, MS, RDN, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Winston-Salem, NC