Summer Weight Loss: 7 Best Foods That Don’t Require Much Cooking
Hey Angels and Alphas,
If you’re trying to shed some pounds during the warm summer months, you may be tempted to avoid the kitchen altogether, afraid that all those extra calories will only add to your waistline. But that doesn’t have to be the case! In fact, you can eat delicious and healthy meals while still getting the weight loss results you’re hoping for! Here are 7 best summer foods for weight loss that don’t require cooking.
Watermelon, Feta, and Basil
Watermelon is the quintessential summer food. It’s sweet, easy to prep, and perfect for a hot day. Add some crumbled feta and freshly chopped basil to this dish and it becomes an instant salad. Plus, watermelon is one of the top fruits that help with weight loss! Watermelon is not only a good source of vitamin C but also rich in potassium and other electrolytes, which can help keep your body hydrated and soothe any muscle pains you may have accumulated from long hours in the sun.
Frozen Banana, Mango, and Almond Butter
Freeze a banana and have it for breakfast. Spread mango on whole wheat toast. Enjoy a tablespoon of almond butter with apple slices. Eat fresh fruit after dinner instead of dessert. Have a small smoothie instead of coffee. Replace chips with nuts and seeds, popcorn with air-popped corn, and other snacks with low-fat dairy, like yogurt or cottage cheese
Strawberries, Spinach, and Chia Seeds
Make a fresh, delicious smoothie using strawberries, spinach, and chia seeds. Add about 3 cups of fresh spinach to a blender with 1 cup of ice and 1⁄2 cup water. Add three or four tablespoons of chia seeds and one cup frozen strawberries (you can also use fresh). Blend until smooth. If desired, add additional fruits or greens. Serves two people.
Avocado, Cucumber, and Grapefruit
Avocado is rich in vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, and fiber. Cucumber contains soluble fibers which help lower blood sugar levels. And grapefruit helps the body use insulin better which can lead to weight loss. Eating one of these foods daily can help you stay satisfied for a long time without overeating. Add on some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you are looking for extra flavor.
Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds
A simple summertime broccoli salad with sunflower seeds is a healthy and easy dish to eat on its own or as part of a larger meal. Tossing it together doesn’t require any cooking and only about five minutes of prep time. The amount of cooking involved can be cut down even more by preparing the dressing ingredients in advance. Store-bought, ready-to-eat dressings are also an option, but may contain added sugar or preservatives that may not be ideal for weight loss. Homemade dressings can also work if you keep them low in calories.
Asparagus Salad with Bacon and Ranch Dressing
This simple dish will be your go-to summer meal! Roasted asparagus brings a light crunch, bacon provides salty and smoky flavors, and ranch dressing packs on the flavor. All of these flavors come together for a refreshing salad that doesn’t require any cooking. Just a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt is all you need to make this salad a flavorful delight.
Pineapple Popsicles
Melt two tablespoons of coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add two cups of finely chopped pineapple and one and a half cups of water. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let cool for 20 minutes. Pour into popsicle molds or paper cups and freeze for 4 hours, or until solid. To remove, run warm water on the outside of the mold.
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