The exhausting summer heat can take a lot of our energy away. After a long, hot day, we often feel tired, sleepy and even depressed. We hardly ever eat oily steaks since we all prefer a bit lighter foods, which recharge us with energy and take the summer tiredness off our shoulders. But which foods are the best? Of course, it is very important to maintain our eating habits healthy. Here we offer you some of the best sources of energy and vitamins during the summer.
Water, water, water…
Getting enough fluids and maintaining optimal hydration is very important during the whole year. But during the summer, it becomes even more necessary. Experts recommend a daily intake of at least 2.9 liters of water for men and 2.2 liters of water for women. Another interesting fact is that if a person with an average weight of 75 kg. loses about 1.5 liters of water, he/she begins dehydrating. It is scientifically proven that water purifies the body and even improves the mood.
Fruit
Apricots
With their dazzling and irresistible orange colour, apricots are a real antioxidant bomb. The content of beta-carotene protects us from the negative effect of the free radical and improves our vision. In our body, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A. They are really tasty and are a great decision during the long, sunny afternoons.
Lemon
A quarter of lemon contains only 2 calories and a great amount of vitamin C, which plays a big role in maintaining good body tone. You can add some lemon or lime juice to your sumer salad, fish, meat etc. This will increase their nutritional value and they will always have a fresh taste.
Raspberry
This delicious fruit has an intoxicating fragrance and contains a great amount of vitamin C. Just one cup of fresh raspberry juice will deliver your body its daily dose of vitamins.
Vegetables
Garlic
The specific smell and taste of garlic is due to the sulfur compounds in it. This vegetable can reduce the level of your cholesterol, as well as your blood pressure. One clove of garlic contains only 4 calories and it can be eaten either raw, or cooked as an addition to salads, sauces and soups.
Ginger
This exotic and a bit unusual spice contains substances, which can prevent headaches and more particularly migraine aches. One teaspoon of freshly grated ginger contains 1 calorie. Before using the spice, though, you will have to remove the hard, brown shell and grate the inner part. You can add a piece or two to you afternoon tea. This will make it even more beneficial for your health and the taste will be incomparable.
Spinach
Spinach contains lutein and carotenoids, which have a great rejuvenating effect. What is more, a full cup of this green, leafy vegetable contains only 7 calories. Again you can use it in salads or cook it in soups and purees.
Summer is the perfect time for considering our eating habits. In most cases, no matter how much we love meat and oily foods, our summer dinner always include some vegetables. It is very important that we manage to make the best choice for a great summer nutrition.
Author Bio: Connie Jameson is passionate freelancer blogger. She currently works a part time for http://www.carpetcleanerlondon.org.uk/west-london/w9-maida-vale/ and she has a lot of free time to read and write about health and fitness. In her spare time she loves to take long walks.
