Summer is in full swing, and with it comes a delicious array of fresh, seasonal produce filled with flavor and nutrients to keep you feeling your best. Let’s dive into how you can make this summer your healthiest and happiest yet—all through the power of food!
Tropical Treats to Take Your Taste Buds on Vacation
Mango Mania
It’s mango season, folks! This beloved fruit is the undisputed king of Nigerian summers, and for good reason. With a bunch of varieties to choose from, there’s a mango for every palate. From the famous, bright yellow ‘Ogbomoso’ bursting with sweetness to the tangy green ‘Opioro,’ mangoes are a star-studded lineup of flavors waiting to be devoured! Here are a few quick ways you can add mangoes to your diet:
Snack Attack!
Mangoes are a great way to make a quick and healthy snack. Slice these yummy fruits up and refrigerate them for a refreshing nibble, or blend them into a creamy smoothie to keep things cool! Yum!
Savory Surprise!
Gone are the boring and bland dinners! Unripe mangoes add a tangy twist to salads, chutneys, and even stews. They’re also great additions to chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken paired with a side of brown rice!
Sweet Treat!
This one’s for all you sweet food lovers! From ice cream to cheesecakes, ripe mangoes are perfect for desserts. Indulge your sweet tooth by making a delicious mango parfait or sorbet—an ideal treat after a hot day at work!
Watermelon Wonder
When the heat is on, watermelon comes to the rescue. This juicy melon is practically a superfood for summer, boasting high water content for hydration and natural sweetness to satisfy your cravings. Here are a few quick ways for you to get started:
Frosty Treat
Imagine coming back home to a fridge filled with delicious frosty treats after a hot day. Exciting, right? One way for you to do this is to freeze watermelon chunks for a DIY popsicle or add watermelon cubes to the freezer for a healthy and tasty snack on a hot summer day!
Salad and Salsa Sensation
It’s time to trim that waist! Cut out the junk by trying a mouthwatering watermelon feta salad with a hint of mint and balsamic glaze—it’s a great way to get vitamins and minerals into your system while lighting up your taste buds! To make things even more scrumptious, combine diced watermelon with jalapeños, onions, and cilantro for a unique salsa and pair the two up!
Cocktail Hour
Long day at work? What better way to cool down than with a refreshing, cold drink? A great way to make a quick beverage for yourself is by muddling watermelon with your favorite spirits for a refreshing summer cocktail and sitting back and relaxing. You could even throw in a few potato chips on the side! We won’t tell!
Fresh Veggies You Can’t Do Without
Tomatoes
These nutritious gems come in a bunch of shapes and colors, each with its own flavor profile, making it ideal for different summer dinner recipes. Juicy, plump, and oh-so-versatile tomatoes are the MVP of weeknight meals when you don’t have much prep time! Slice them up for a classic BLT, roast them for a rich pasta sauce, or toss a few cherry tomatoes with bell peppers and green beans to make a rejuvenating chicken salad.
Cucumbers
Cool as a cucumber? Absolutely! Crisp and revitalizing cucumbers are essential for summer salads and snacks, and these hydrating veggies are the perfect way to beat the heat. Snack on cucumber slices if you’re the lazy type, or add them to infused water for a spa-like experience! You could even whip up a chilled cucumber soup for a refreshing appetizer coupled with a potato salad for a delicious summer meal!
Okra
Don’t be fooled by its slightly slimy texture—okra is packed with nutrients that uniquely flavor all your dishes. This nutritious powerhouse is a staple in Nigerian cuisine and can add a different texture to your favorite dishes. Roast it with spices for a crunchy snack, fry it up, or add it to stews and soups for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Quench Your Thirst: Hydration Hacks for a Happy Summer
Let’s talk hydration! Drinking water is oh-so-important during the warmer months because it replaces the fluids your body has lost. How much water should you drink, though? The recommended daily intake is 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women, but keep in mind that individual needs might vary.
The best way to stay on top of your hydration is by keeping a bottle of water with you at all times. But hey, who said hydration has to be boring? Get creative with infused waters, adding slices of cucumbers, lemons, or berries for a refreshing twist. And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your hydration to the next level, try making your own electrolyte-rich sports drinks with coconut water, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime!
Sun’s Out, Snacks Out: Eat Fresh and Stay Cool
From juicy mangoes to refreshing cucumbers, summers are a feast for the senses. With every bite, you’re not just enjoying delicious flavors; you’re investing in your health and embracing the true essence of summer. Cheers to a season filled with sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable meals!