8 Summer Foods That Can Help You Lose Weight

Summer is officially here and in addition to some fun in the sun, you’ll want some pool/beachside snacks to munch on throughout the day. These light snacks are perfect for the summer months because not only are they delicious, they’re also good for you.

Each of these seasonal bites are easy to make and could play a part in weight loss. (Hello, beach bod!)

1. Watermelon

Watermelon is probably one of the most popular summer fruits because of its watery but sweet flavors. According to this study by Purdue University, the red and green fruit contains citrulline, an amino acid that can improve your cardiovascular health and blood pressure.

Serving suggestion: Eat them in slices or make these watermelon ice cubes to give your drink a healthy, sweet taste.

2. Avocado

Everybody loves avocados—and for good reason! This healthy fruit (yes, avocado is a fruit) contains a high level of vitamins and antioxidants that can help reduce hunger and improve nutrient absorption.

Serving suggestion: Slice some avocado on top of your salad, make some guacamole or utilize one of these 11 delicious avocado recipes. You won’t regret it.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are sweet and flavorful, and they are easy to toss in a Ziploc bag and eat on the go. They’re a perfect snack to munch on when you’re in a hurry or when you’re poolside. One cup of the berries is under 100 calories and they contain anthocyanins, which can help lower your blood pressure.

Serving suggestion: Eat them by themselves, add them to a fruit salad or get creative with these frozen yogurt blueberry kebabs.

4. Pineapple

This tropical fruit is a perennial favorite, and it’s no surprise. Pineapples contain a high amount of Vitamin C and manganese, a mineral that contributes to calcium absorption and fat metabolism.

Serving suggestion: Eat them by themselves, add some to a smoothie or add some to your drink for extra flavor.

5. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are a key veggie to consider for weight loss, since they contain capsaicin, a known metabolism booster. Also, one cup of the peppers is only 45 calories!

Serving suggestion: Get creative with a stuffed peppers meal, add some to your salad or incorporate them into your next salsa.

6. Corn

Corn is the perfect healthy addition to your grill-out because it’s a rich source for Vitamins A, B and E, as well as a provider of necessary minerals such as iron and zinc. (Just don’t slather on too much butter!)

Serving suggestion: Corn on the cob, corn bread or corn salsa.

7. Turkey Burgers

Yes, you can eat a burger without the guilt! There are many ways to modify a burger to make it healthier: opt for turkey burgers instead of beef, use a tomato instead of ketchup, ditch the bun and wrap it in a lettuce leaf instead.

Serving suggestion: A modified burger as we mentioned above or add some oven-roasted turkey breast to a salad.

8. Bananas

We know bananas are high in potassium, but they’re also a low-energy density food, which can contribute to weight loss. Honestly, the health benefits of the fruit are endless.

Serving suggestion: Eat them by themselves, add them to a smoothie or incorporate them into a fruit salad.

Photo by valkyrieh116