Summer is here and so are some of the freshest and most delicious fruits and vegetables. I talked to a few Utah caterers and they stressed how important it is to buy fruits and vegetables when they are in season because not only will they taste better, but you’ll pay less for them. The following are some great recipes for making the most out of the produce of the summer season.
- Watermelon Gazpacho
- Grilled Salmon
- Guacamole
- Grilled Pears, Pineapple, Peaches
- Fresh tomato and basil bruschetta
- Strawberry pie
- Peach cobbler
- Grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini
Summer is one of the best times for parties - BBQs, Weddings, Cocktail Parties - you name it, they all sing out DELICIOUS food! But just because it’s delicious , doesn’t mean the food has to be loaded with calories. Just last weekend I went to a beautiful cocktail party at my best friend’s home, catered by a prestigious SLC caterer. The food was absolutely amazing and incredibly healthy. Hors d’oeuvres consisted of bruschetta with fresh tomato and basil and a table of fresh fruit and cheese that looked like a masterpiece in and of itself. For dinner we had the most delicious salad with fresh apples, walnuts and bleu cheese with balsamic vinaigrette and for the main course we had grilled chicken with a fresh mango salsa. AND for dessert, we had deliciously light vanilla ice cream topped with fresh summer berries.
Per my request, the Utah Christmas catering company I use every year for my annual holiday party has introduced some healthy alternatives for me to serve this year. My request came as I realize that the Christmas season is the toughest part of the year to stay in shape – I think I speak for many when I say that.
While I certainly believe in staying true to your diet and healthy eating habits, there are certainly exceptions that are more than justified. For example, your grandma’s divine chocolate cake on Christmas Eve. Dig in! You deserve it! If you don’t allow yourself indulgences every once in a while, you will certainly not stick to any sort of diet. Plus, that is what the gym is for, right? Enjoy your fattening, luscious cake then high tail it to the gym to work it off!
So for those of you (dare I say, women?) worried about gaining weight over the holidays, relax! Keep your eating in check, sticking to your diet at least during the weekdays. Park at the back of the parking lot when you go holiday shopping to get some extra exercise. Keep your portions small. But for heaven’s sake, enjoy your favorite guilty pleasure foods every once in awhile!