Summertime Eating Do's and Dont's

Summertime is here! People are firing up their grills for barbecues and having parties for entertaining. Is it possible to stay on a clean eating plan with all those temptations? Yes! Here's some foods to look for and others to stay away from during your warm summer day parties.

Good Food Choices:

Watermelon~~ 86 calories, 2g protein, 22g carbs, 0g fat/ 1 slice
I's flesh is high in lycopene which is an antioxidant that protects against heart disease, cancer and increases levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, which influences muscle growth.

Blueberries~~ 84 calories, 1g protein, 22g carbs, 1g fat/1 cup
Blueberries are very high in antioxidants. More than just about any other food. These properties provide protection for all the body's tissues.

Tomatoes~~ 22 calories, 1g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat/1 medium tomato
Tomatoes contain lycopene which is also the antioxidant present in watermelon.

Asparagus~~ 40 calories, 4g protein, 8g carbs, og fat/1 cup
Asparagus acts as a diuretic, which can aid in losing those final few pounds. Also, insulin is present in asparagus. It's an indigestible fiber which improves the balance of intestinal bacteria and helps assist with the absorption of calcium.

Iced Tea~~ 0 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat
Drink your iced tea unsweetened and you'll benefit from the antioxidants present. Black tea has been shown to reduce cortisol levels.

Bad Food Choices:

Barbecue sauce~~ 94 calories, 0g protein, 23g carbs, 0g fat/ 1/4 cup
Too many carbs are contained in this tasty sauce!! Sodium is also a bit high.

Ribs~~ 236 calories 13g protein, 0 carbs, 20g fat/3 oz
Way too much fat in a small 3 oz serving. Also, the protein level is fairly low. What are ribs usually covered in? Right!!! Barbecue Sauce! This makes them doubly unhealthy.

Potato Salad~~ 358 calories, 7g protein, 28g carbs, 21g fat/1 cup
The potatoes used in this salad are quickly digested. Plus, mayonnaise is generally used in this type of salad and mayo contains fat.


Corn~~ 77 calories, 3g protein, 17g carbs, 1g fat/1 medium ear
If you're watching your carb intake, then corn should be off your list of things to eat.
Corn has quickly digesting starchy carbohydrates that can mess up your diet.