With summer right around the corner you can begin to plan your summer diet now. The best thing about a summer diet is all the seasonal produce that really can help your diet alone.The sun is shining, temperatures are rising. Summer is the time to shed layers of clothes, as well as some pounds. You could opt for a stringent diet regime, but what about simply enjoying all the wonderful foods the season brings? You’ll still slim down, and do wonders for your health.Much of summer’s bounty has extra nutritional benefits you may not be aware of. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may slow aging, protect against cancer and stroke, improve blood pressure, and keep your heart healthy. And just about all are low-calorie, so your waistline stays in check, another big health benefit.

 

Tomatoes and Peppers for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Lycopene

Tomatoes and all colors of bell peppers have large amounts of vitamins A, vitamin C, Lycopene, antioxidants, and beta carotene. A medium tomato is low in carbohydrates and has only has 35 calories but gives you 40% of the vitamin C and 20% of the vitamin A you need for the day. Adding a variety of fresh tomatoes and peppers to your diet is a great way to start a healthy diet..

Protein- and Fiber-Packed Beans
Most beans and legumes are packed with fiber and protein without large amounts of calories. Peas, lentils, black beans, butter beans, lima beans, garbanzo beans, and chickpeas also are a good source of iron. They can be consumed raw or added to salads. Or, you can use them to make hummus and serve them as a dip with pita bread.

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Yogurt for Calcium and Protein

Not so long ago, yogurt was considered something only health food junkies ate. Now, it is a dietary staple for many who enjoy the taste, convenience, low calories, and, yes, health benefitsBoth the regular and frozen varieties are great ways to get extra protein and calcium in your diet. Studies have shown that healthy forms of dairy can help boost weight loss. While regular plain, flavored, or lower fat yogurt is perfect for a between meal snack when the craving for ice cream hits frozen yogurt can fill that urge for a frozen treat.

Mangoes

Mangoes are one of the best summer fruits because they are packed with fiber and vitamins. The fiber will help curb your appetite and they are low in calories, fat, and sodium. Plus there is no cholesterol and have more beta carotene than any other fruit.

Fruits With Low Calories Chart

You can also dip low calorie fruits into a little Splenda when more sweetness is desired without adding calories.  Sprinkle on the spices, too for no additional calories.  Using our peachy example, a sprinkle or two of ground cinnamon lends a hint to peach cobbler without rupturing your diet plan.

Fruit/Vegetable Serving Size of Fruit/Vegetable Calories in Fruit/Vegetable
Calories in Cherries Fresh – 3 cherries About 5 calories
Calories in Apricots Fresh – 1 medium About 17 calories
Calories in Grapefruit About 1/2 medium grapefruit – fresh About 35 calories
Calories in Plums 1 medium-sized plum About 36 calories
Calories in Strawberries 1/2 cup – fresh strawberries About 23 calories
Calories in Watermelon 1/2 cup – fresh watermelon About 26 calories