I love summer!
The markets are full of fresh local Ontario strawberries and other fabulous produce. The world looks luscious and green and I find myself making excuses to go for walks after dinner in the warm evening air.
Even though local whole food is in abundance this time of year, I have had three separate conversations just this week about how difficult it is to stay on track. Summer is also the season of beer and cocktails on a patio (often accompanied by pub food), ice cream, popsicles, s’mores and travelling.
When I was a kid, trips to the cottage always meant a stop at McDonald’s off the highway. Plus we would have a car full of food that mom and dad would not have to spend much time cooking once we were relaxing at the cottage: Kraft Dinner, hot dogs, Zoodles, Lipton chicken noodle soup, chips, cookies, crackers, sandwiches, chocolate and candy.
It is easy for us to let our hair down and make excuses for indulging once and a while. Even with the extra ‘motivation’ of the bikini that we want to show off, it is a challenge to stick to our guns when everyone just wants to eat for pleasure and convenience and not for health.
Here are some of my favorite summer meals and treats that help me stay on track while lounging on the beach or hanging out at the cottage.
Fresh Fruit!
As an alternative to popsicles or freezies, I like to freeze chunks of watermelon, mango and grapes. You can pre skewer these to make a fun, mobile treat.
Easy Ice Cream!
Peel and freeze bananas. When you want ice cream, take 3 out of the freezer, put in your food processor with ½ cup of coconut milk or heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Blend until smooth. I have also added 2 tablespoons of raw cacao to this and made a chocolate version. For an extra rich flavor, add just a pinch of sea salt.
You can put this back in the freezer and it will keep for several days (if it lasts that long.)
Chips!
Sometimes a night of board games just does not feel the same without some potato chips. Typically I would opt for sliced veggies and dip. But if I really want to have chips, the Bulk Barn (and some health food stores) carry olive oil and avocado oil potato chips. The only ingredients are avocado or olive oil, potatoes, and sea salt. These are a better option than typical chips made with nasty canola, corn or soy oils.
Lettuce Wrap “Sandwiches”
All of your favorite sandwich items can easily be wrapped up in lettuce instead of being stuffed between slices of bread. My go-to favourites are BLT, tuna salad and roast beef with horseradish and cheddar.
Charcuterie Board
This is really just a fancy name for a plate filled with a variety of your favorite cheeses, pates, sliced meats, pickles, and olives. Round out the dish with some mustard and a glass of wine (not By Design unfortunately). This is a really great way to have a fancy feeling meal on the beach. You can stop by a deli and load up the cooler for a great picnic.
Slow-cooked Soup/Stew
Fill your slow cooker with a variety of vegetables and chunks of your favorite cheap cut of meat (chicken thighs, pork shoulder, beef brisket). Top with stock and your favorite spices. Your dinner will be cooking while you are playing all day.
Barbecue…anything
Burger patties, sausages (check to make sure they are grain and filler free), chicken breast, and vegetables… everything tastes good over an open flame.
Infused Water
Liven up H20 with mint leaves, cucumber slices, lemon, lime, grape fruit or orange slices or any other fruit you like. Watermelon and mint are a terrific combination. Lime and cucumber also go great together.
Iced Tea
Make your own. Brew some strong tea in your favorite flavour, put it in a jug with lots of ice. You can also jazz it up using herbs and fruit just like the infused water.
Cocktails
While no cocktails are By Design, better options are ones that are grain free and low in sugar. Skip on the beer and slushie drinks. Opt instead for wine spritzers made with soda, and cocktails made with soda or water with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Other better options include natural ciders with no added sugar and dry wines.
If you like Caesars, a new Toronto based company called Walter’s is making a Caesar mix that is free of MSG and high fructose corn syrup. I suggest avoiding Mott’s Clamoto as it does contain those ingredients.
Hope this helps you to stay on track and have fun in the sun this summer!
Please share any and all of your favorite summer treats and meals…and if you would like recipes, message us.
For more simple By Design recipes why not pick up your copy of the Eat By Design Cookbook. I’ve created it in the form of a 28-day meal plan (plus grocery lists!) so you don’t need to think about what’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner for the next month. Or you can grab the first 7 days FREE by clicking here.