Fresh Fruits and Veggies to Add to Your Summer Menu
By Brandi Goodman
June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. Although you should be eating these things all the time, there's no harm in celebrating a special time with healthy choices. Certain fresh fruits and veggies can be added to your summer menu from here on out, as many are now in season.
Apricots
Apricots are very similar to peaches, yet not as widely available. Give apricots a try in the summer when they're in season for the most flavorful options. Apricots taste somewhere between a plum and a peach. You can enjoy them whole or cut them into slices. They work well in baked goods too. This fruit is low in calories and promotes skin and eye health.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are typically available year-round, but taste even better in the summer. You can enjoy them plain, dip them in a homemade veggie dip, or cook them into foods. Many people scoop out a bell pepper and place a filling inside to bake. You can even take a ring of a pepper and cook eggs inside for a unique breakfast option. Bell peppers provide plenty of nutrients, such as Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin B6.
Blackberries
Blackberries make a great summer berry choice. Eat them plain, add them to yogurt, or enjoy them in cereal, just as many people do with blueberries. Blackberries contain plenty of Vitamin C and offer lots of Vitamin K and fiber.
Cantaloupe
Watermelon is the most popular melon choice in the summer, but cantaloupe has plenty to offer as well. It's mostly made of water, which is incredibly hydrating for your body. If you're in need of fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, cantaloupe is the choice for you. It has a more dense texture and isn't as sweet as watermelon, yet still has a uniquely pleasant taste.
Corn
Corn is a favorite summer vegetable. Lots of people cook corn on the cob either boiled in water or on the grill. It's an easy summer side dish that you can flavor in a variety of ways. Add a bit of butter and some seasonings or make it hot and spicy with garlic, red pepper, cumin, and hot sauce. Corn provides plenty of vitamins and fiber.
Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables when they're in season for the best tasting options your local grocery store or farmer's market has to offer. You should always do what you can to eat nutritious foods, including incorporating them into your meal plans for the week. Enjoy them fresh and cold or cook them up for some unique dishes.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mission, Tex.