Why Summer is the season for eating well and glowing from the inside out
There are so many reasons why I love Summer: longer days, warm evenings, the birds singing, green everywhere and more time to spend outdoors… but the best part by far is the abundance of healthy, fresh whole foods everywhere you go
This means eating nutritious, wholesome meals to support both your body and mind becomes so much easier!
I’ve pulled together my top 3 reasons why this is THE season to eat and feel your best
1 // Abundance of fresh, seasonal produce
If there’s one way to instantly improve your wellbeing, it’s eating seasonally. Nature provides us with foods that are uniquely suited to each season, meaning they are at their best — both in terms of flavour and nutritional value — at particular times of year!
July brings in tomatoes, aubergines, broccoli, garlic, courgettes, mint, strawberries, watermelon, chard, spinach (and so much more) so I’ll be making big tomato salads with avocado and peppery olive oil to pair with a delicious, summery roast chicken, and fresh pasta with courgettes, basil, mint and lemon
I love how colourful summer foods are too — not only does this make eating so much more exciting when you see your plate, it also an amazing way to support your gut health! This is because each colour reflects different antioxidants and "phytonutrients" — the chemical compounds that support our health, fight disease and feed all the different beneficial bacteria in your gut:
red foods are rich in lycopene, which have been linked to heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting your skin
blue, purple and black foods are full of flavonoids, an antioxidant that fights free radicals (the things that cause damage to our cells), supports heart health, circulation and vision
orange and yellow foods are packed with carotenoids, which are essential for your immune system, vision and joint health
green foods are rich in chlorophyll and fibre, both of which are essential for detoxification, supporting your liver and digestive health
2 // Naturally hydrating foods
What’s more, summer foods are packed with hydration making them fantastic for your digestion and giving you that healthy glow from the inside out!
Staying hydrated is key to keeping your digestive system running smoothly and helping your body absorb all the nutrients from your food more effectively (water helps breakdown your food) — because remember it’s not “you are what you eat”, but “you are what you absorb”, so this is key!
Pair that with the skin-loving antioxidants you find in summer foods, you're also giving your body and skin the boost they need to enhance your natural glow! Think of:
watermelon and tomatoes: these are both rich in lycopene and vitamins A and C to protect your skin from sun damage and promote collagen production for skin elasticity and firmness! Their high water content also helps keep your skin plump and radiant
avocado: an amazing source of healthy fats (particularly monounsaturated fats) that help to keep your skin moisturised. They are also rich in vitamins E and C to protect the skin from oxidative damage
leafy greens: loaded with vitamins A, C, E and K, chlorophyll and fibre, greens are amazing at helping to flush out toxins from the body for a clearer complexion. Vitamin A is also essential for skin repair and regeneration
All in all, these summer foods are not only delicious but they also come with amazing health benefits to keep you looking and feeling your best!
3 // Going back to basics and connecting
Summer is the perfect time to unwind and enjoy the simple things — whether it’s being outdoors, fresh meals that nourish your mind and body, or spending more time with the people you love, it’s about stripping away complexities and reconnecting with the basics
This slower pace also allows for more mindful eating, a powerful practice that can transform your relationship with food and your digestion! This is because digestion is not just about your stomach — the process actually starts with your thoughts. If you are go-go-go and not tuning in to what you are doing, your brain doesn’t have any time to kick the digestive process into gear and prepare your stomach for the food… a perfect storm for bloating and other digestive symptoms
Enjoying meals outdoors, savouring the taste of ripe tomatoes or freshly picked berries, and appreciating the vibrant colours and textures of your food helps you connect more deeply with what you’re eating and bring a feeling of calm to your day
An amazing way to really appreciate the simple pleasures that Summer brings!
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What are your favourite things about Summer? I’d love to hear from you!