weight loss

Top Summer Grocery Store Staples for Weight Loss

Hey Angels and Alphas,

Dietitians and fitness experts are everywhere around this time of year, letting people know the best grocery store picks for more summertime weight loss.

And if you’re someone who understands fitness and dieting, going to the grocery store this time of year is like taking a trip to Disneyland.

There are always new picks coming in, opening up possibilities for new recipes that are both healthy and delicious. Summertime at the grocery store is a unique time since it’s filled with delicious products that are only available in the warm seasons, all perfectly suited for summer temperatures and activities.

Here are some of the best, dietitian-picked staples you should never leave the store without!

#1 SALSA

Salsa is just synonymous with summer. It’s not only refreshing and versatile, but it can also add texture, flavor, and taste to pretty much anything from tacos to omelets. It also makes for the perfect outdoor snack when you pair it alongside pita, tortillas, or just fresh veggies.

In terms of nutrition, tomato-based salsas are extremely abundant in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene protects the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals and could also be linked to reduced risk of chronic disease.

When it comes to salsa, you really can’t go wrong with it – a chunky tomato salsa is by far one of your best flavor-adders for eggs, chips, tacos, even some specific fruits like peach or mango.

#2 BLUEBERRIES

It’s blueberry season for a reason. And these tasty berries also happen to be at their absolute peak during summertime. Blueberries are abundant in the antioxidant known as anthocyanin (this is the reason they have this deep blue hue.) Berries have anti-inflammatory properties that keep the cells in your body healthy.

They’re also a great source of vitamin C, which is vital for overall health, and a good chunk of fiber, helping promote satiety after a meal. Blueberries for breakfast, on top of some oats and Greek yogurt, make for the perfect portable and satiating snack you can bring to the beach this summer.

#3 LEAFY GREENS

Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other dark, leafy greens are well in season during the summer, and they’re excellent sources of minerals and vitamins, including folate, iron, vitamin A, C, K, calcium, and more. They’re rich in all the nutrients necessary to support a healthy immune system and improve bone health via the combination of calcium and vitamin K.

And let’s not forget – they’re packed with fiber. If you’re looking for a base for your refreshing summer salads, leafy greens fit the bill, and they can be used pretty much anywhere to add extra color, flavor, and nutrients.

#4 NUT BUTTERS (PEANUT & ALMOND)

Peanut butter and almond butter are not technically grocery store staples, but they have their own special utility that’s all the more helpful in the summertime. They’re amazing sources of healthy, monounsaturated fat, as well as fiber and a ton of protein, making them both satisfying and healthy. Nut butters are an awesome snack when combined with a banana pre-run, or they can be used as a sauce ingredient for a salad with cold noodles. They’re portable in sandwiches, and they’re another great option for foods you can bring to the beach!

#5 FARRO & QUINOA

Whole grains should always be a staple in your grocery store list, and quinoa/farro are no exception. They’re summer favorites because they make an excellent starting base for a number of grain salads. They can be eaten chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for summer lunches and dinners.

#6 BREAD FROM SPROUTED GRAIN

Sandwiches are the go-to fast, easy meal you can bring anywhere. They’re satisfying, delicious, and portable, often requiring no cooking whatsoever. Sprouted-grain bread is one of the best options for a bread base for any sandwich since it’s hearty, filling, and packed with more protein and fiber than typical bread.

Anytime you’re going to the beach, you can just bring along a peanut butter and banana sandwich (or a turkey sandwich) and have a quick lunch anytime with no hassles.

Sprouted-grain bread is pretty much everywhere nowadays, with several popular brands dominating local grocery stores. When you’re looking for this type of bread, make sure to check out the freezer section, as it may contain some brands that keep the bread fresh for a longer time. Aim for bread that has at least 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per slice.

#7 CHERRIES

Cherries should be coming in season around mid-June all throughout July. Take advantage of this! Cherries are portable and absolutely delicious, making them amazing pool snacks. They’re full of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and more anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Watch out for tart cherries, one of the only foods known to produce melatonin, promoting healthy sleep.

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