Hot Weather Temptations

The hot weather brings a lot of joys, more time at the beach, nights just hanging with friends. and al fresco meals .Unfortunately with the balmy temps comes temptations, in fact  now more than during the winter holidays. As always eat and especially snack judiciously. Take advantage of  farmer's markets and produce stands cropping up right now.

Hot weather brings about thirst. We reach for bottles of anything and everything. The best choice is an icy bottle of spring water.It;s refreshing and doesn't cause any extra thirstiness. However it does have competition. Many would rather enjoy a cold soda, brimming with ice. This  is refreshing but loaded full of calories One cup of Coke is 100 . The better bet is Diet Coke if you have to have a soda. Those creamy iced coffees are downright delicious too , especially if they're loaded with ice cubes but they're also loaded with fat. Some of the Dunkin Donuts iced drinks can have as much as 600(!) calories.If you want an iced coffee, think of just get a plain iced black. This is just as refreshing than those  loaded with chocolate and caramel and topped with a pillow of whipped cream. You'll also enjoy the rich nutty flavor of the coffee too. For lower calorie drinks, definitely try Bai5 and Bai Bubbles. Both are low on calories- five each - but big on flavor.Try their blueberry  or lemon ade chilled for a respite from the heat. The BAI Bubbles has the same fizz as soda but with tropical flavors like coconut and pineapple.

Hot days bring about hot dogs - and hamburgers. Who doesn';t like hanging out at the local stand and get a dog loaded with chili and cheese.? A plain one from Stewart's is around 450 calories. Corn dogs,  always a festival fave are also high in everything from fat  to sodium. One gobble can cot you 450 calories.Burgers too  can be fat bombs. Many are between 400 and 600 calories, If you want a low calorie sandwich to bring to the beach or park then go for Subway. You can pick and choose all good low cal choices from the whole wheat bread to the meat and veggies involved. Luckily chopped salads are big right now and they 'll be a warm weather must have. Again these can be made super healthy by adding the right mix of veggies and extras.Chips are always a hot weather bring along. They're great for satisfying both hunger pangs and salt cravings however they are soaked in sodium. Instead nibble on almonds or grape tomatoes.For crunch  try low sodium pretzels.

The hot weather is here and with it comes temptations. Be prudent  with picking out drinks and snacks. Keep in mind these treats have calories - not good for the start of bathing suit and shorts season.