Summer is fast approaching and beach holidays are booked. It’s time to think about how eating certain foods can aid in achieving your summer body goals! Here are my top 10 foods to help tone your summer body!
Almond butter
Almonds are high in protein, healthy fats, fibre and are rich in calcium, iron and magnesium. The addition of almonds to the diet may lead to a slimmer waistline and lower body fat levels than those on a low calorie/high carbohydrate diet. Almond butter provides a perfect way of incorporating the nuts into your diet.
Avocado
Avocados are packed full of vitamins C, K, E, B’s and folate, the minerals potassium, magnesium and manganese, as well as, fibre and healthy fats. They contain a high amount of healthy monounsaturated fats like the one’s found in olive oil and because avocados are high in fat and fibre, they can help you feel more satisfied after a meal, reduce sugar cravings and keep you feeling full for longer.
Pears
Pears are a great source of pectin, a soluble fibre that helps to keep the digestive tract healthy and they are also a good source of heart-healthy potassium and bone-building calcium.
"Protein helps to build muscle and repair tissue, especially important for recovery after exercise."
Vegan protein powders
Protein powders are not just for body-builders. If you struggle to consume your daily amount of protein needs (0.8g per kg of body weight) than adding a scoop of protein powder to a smoothie is an easy and effective way to meet your needs. Protein helps to build muscle and repair tissue, especially important for recovery after exercise."
Adding protein to your meal also helps you feel fuller, balance blood sugar levels and controls appetite. Choose a brand that has no artificial ingredients or sugars added.
Vegan seed oils
High in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, seed oils can help with weight loss as adding fat to your meals slows the digestion of the meal and release of glucose into your blood stream. The result is you feel fuller and satisfied during meals, snack less and make better food choices. Healthy fats are also very hydrating for your skin, making your skin softer, more supple and radiant.
Celery
Chew on celery sticks between meals if you are feeling peckish. They'll help decrease fluid retention and fill you up without adding many calories to your daily total.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a great summertime snack - high in water content for hydration and contains a healthy dose of vitamin C, which is important for skin health and immunity. Studies show grapefruit may help promote weight loss by reducing insulin levels and boosting your metabolism. Caution: consult your doctor if you are on prescribed medication as too much grapefruit can interact with drug metabolism.
Pineapple
Flaxseed
Salmon
Salmon is naturally low in calories, saturated fat, and a good source of protein, but what really makes it stand out is its omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are beneficial for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
