Low Fat Foodie

It's tough being a foodie in the hot weather. All that fat some of us have accumulated over a winter of good eating shows. The shorts are tighter (ouch!!!), Ripples of cellulite emerge from our Bermudas and sundresses. Then there's the fight with last year's bathing suit. It takes an hour to put on and when we're done we look like exploded sausages.

What to do? Obviously go on a diet. Luckily this is the season that always has a healthy harvest. We can forgo cakes and breads along with full hardy over sauced meals. It's time to hit the stands and the farms in search of low fat foodie grub.

The fun thing about any fruit or vegetable is that it's a finger food. If you feel like snacking go for broccoli, pepper strips, carrots and grape tomatoes. Forgo the creamy dressings like Russian or French. Stick with a light olive oil and red wine vinegar.For an added kick add herbs or finely minced garlic. Sund dried tomatoes are another good snack. I love mine plain with just a tiny amount of olive oil to moisten them (they can be dry at times). For a sweet snack, avoid ice cream although the US brand Skinny Cow is wonderful. One cone has only 150 calories. A much better choice is an ice pop. Edy's all natural fruit bar is only 60 calories and comes in yummy flavors like grape , lime and cherry. Ive just tried Breyer's today and like them. Their fruit pops are only 40 calories and taste like ice you would get off a stand. For a real treat avoid any place that sells gooey sundaes and fattening shakes. Head to the US chain Rita's Ice where you can get refreshing ice in all sorts of flavors (and they even have sugar free). A bonus from Rita's for every ten ices you buy you get the eleventh free.

Take advantage of the fruit of the season for all three meals. Nothing starts the day off like melon and cottage cheese. For weekend brunches think about a heart healthy frittata with maybe some spinach, onions, and mushrooms thrown in. This is also a great dish for a quick Saturday or Sunday brunch. Chef's salad is another cool and easy low cal dinner. Put sliced turkey and chicken in along with fresh cut veggies and field greens . Serve with a light dressing. Grilled chicken or fish , plain with flavored rice or just topping a salad is a good dinner suggestion. Also remember to keep yourself hydrated with fresh iced tea or fresh lemonade. I can't stop raving about this new energy drink, Fyxx Hybrid Energy Drink, which is spring water with a kick of caffeine. It's refreshing, chilled with just ice and keeps me going during these hot sticky days.

This summer it's possible to still enjoy good foods and tasty meals without gaining weight. Use the bounty of the summer season when you want something good to eat.

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