Eating seasonal foods is one of the best things you can do for your health. Seasonal produce is picked when it’s ripe (so plants get extra sun-time), and it generally has more antioxidants, more color and more flavor!
Where I am now, it's mid-summer, and I’m blessed to have a ton of fresh, locally-grown summer vegetables to enjoy. I encourage you to visit your local farmers market and stock up on seasonal produce; not only are you doing your body a favor, you’re supporting local farmers as well (and not paying the cost of transportation that you pay for out-of-season, non-local produce)!
Some of my favorite summer veggies include: arugula, avocados, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, corn and green beans. Cucumber is another refreshing, healthy summer veggie. While I admit it isn't my favorite, I have found a recipe that I LOVE with cucumbers (and I bet you will, too!), which I will share with you today!
Here are 3 easy, light, refreshing and flavorful recipes using my favorite summer veggies. All 3 recipes are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and with no added sugars. And of course, they're all amazing for your digestion, and will leave you bloat-free for an amazing beach body!
SUMMER QUINOA SALAD with LEMON TAHINI DRESSING
SUMMER GAZPACHO
EGGPLANT RAGU WITH ZUCCHINI & SQUASH NOODLES
And for a delicious dessert or snack in the summer, I LOVE fresh figs. They're so sweet and yummy! Just rinse, peel, slice in half, and enjoy!
Give these recipes a shot, and comment/share - tell me how it goes, and also share your favorite summer dishes!
Lastly, if you've been indulging a bit this summer and need to give your system a break, maybe lose a few pounds, and get yourself back on track for the Fall, then join me for my awesome 10 Day Summer Detox! I'ts completely food-based and doable (promise!) and will give you that "reset" you need. And it'll give you the motivation and support. Email me: ms@balancewithmariana.com to sign-up!
Love and Summer Foods,
Mariana