Top Tips For Healthy Summer Eating

Last Updated on August 9, 2021

With summer in full swing, backyard grills are working overtime as lighter fare is taking center stage for healthy summer cooking. We all know eating healthy should be a year-round priority, but summertime seems to make it a bit easier. That’s because we tend to grill our foods more—and fuss about them less. But what about summertime indulgences that can derail your healthy eating habits?

This month, Granite and TREND Transformations has uncovered some helpful tips for healthy summer eating, along with important suggestions for how you and your family can enjoy a safe and tasty-filled season.

Seek out healthier alternatives

Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and ribs: These are the foods of summer that taste amazing when cooked on the grill. And we can’t forget about family favorites like homemade potato and macaroni salads! As delicious as these foods may be, they can be packed with hidden fat and calories. Did you know there are healthier options to these family favorites that can still make your taste buds water while you maintain a healthy lifestyle? Here are some easy swaps you can make that are delicious and calorie-conscious:

• Turkey burgers
• Plant-based meats
• Turkey and chicken hot dogs
• Grilled portobello mushrooms
• Greek yogurt instead of mayo in picnic salads such as coleslaw, potato, and macaroni.

Health tip: Serving your meats on skewers—shish kabob-style—is an easy way to maintain portion control. It makes food more fun to eat, too!

Safety tip: Be sure to keep foods at safe temperatures, especially when dining outdoors. When grilling, meats should be cooked almost immediately, and leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator quickly. And dairy-based foods, such as salads and dips, should be kept cold and never left in the heat.

Grilling fruits and vegetables

When you think of healthy eating, you can’t help but think of fruits and veggies. But how much is enough or—dare we say it—too much? Getting your daily servings of fruits and veggies just seems easier in the summer months. Maybe it’s the grill. Or maybe it’s the abundance of fresh produce available at your local market. Or, maybe it’s the delicious ways in which you can prepare fruits and veggies that make them fun to eat. We’ve found some delicious and fun ways to cook and serve yours:

• Grill fresh veggies—such as zucchini, summer squash, mushrooms, or peppers, among others—and baste them with your favorite marinade. Or, you can thread them onto a skewer for a fun and festive presentation. And don’t forget the corn-on-the-cob. Wrap up those golden ears in aluminum foil and grill them to perfection.
• Grilling fruit is one of today’s sweetest cooking trends. Try topping fresh sliced pineapple with a combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Then, wrap in foil and grill until tender and aromatic. Peaches make a great grilling treat, too. Just add a dollop of cream and enjoy!
• Thread fresh cut-up fruit such as melon, strawberries, and pineapple on wooden skewers for an easy snack or dessert. It’s a fun way to serve while maintaining portion control.

Health tip: There’s nothing more refreshing than eating fresh fruit on a hot summer’s day, but even too much natural sugar is not a good thing. Watermelon, for example, may be a summer favorite—but its high sugar content can make those calories add up quickly. Enjoy in moderation.

Watch your water intake

Having fun in the sun is part of the summer experience. It’s also one of the easiest ways to become dehydrated. Did you know by the time you feel thirsty you’re most likely already dehydrated? Here are some tips to ensure you stay hydrated while having fun in the summer sun:

• If you’re outdoors for a longer period of time than 30 minutes, experts recommend drinking a large glass of water upon coming indoors.
• Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day to maintain optimum hydration.

Frozen and fruity drinks can turn any summer day into a party, but they can also pack on the pounds with their high sugar content—not to mention the brain freeze. For a healthier option, keep a pitcher of “spa water” chilled in the refrigerator. Simply fill a pitcher with your favorite flat or sparkling water and add fresh slices of lemons, cucumbers, fresh peaches, and berries. You can even add fresh herbs such as mint and basil for an interesting twist.

Maintaining safe surfaces for food preparation

Before food makes it to your outdoor grill or served to your guests, it must first pass through your kitchen. Healthy cooking begins with maintaining a clean and fresh countertop. Did you know that etherium^® By E-Stone surfaces by Granite and TREND Transformations are enhanced with Microban^® antimicrobial protection to stay cleaner, fresher, and more durable for longer? This antimicrobial technology is built into our products, which not only adds a level of product protection against the growth of bacteria, but also makes our surfaces easier to clean—and stay cleaner—in between cleanings.

What are you cooking up this summer? We hope you enjoyed our blog on healthy summer eating and learned some new ways to make your meals for this warm season even healthier.

Do your kitchen countertops need a refresh? Our beautiful line of etherium^® By E-Stone surfaces can provide the “luxe look” you’ve been searching for while reducing the growth of bacteria, 24/7. Contact us today for a free in-home, or virtual, design consultation.