The 5 Healthiest Summer Foods for Weight Loss

1. Watermelon
   Is there a fruit that’s more summery than this tasty red, seed-filled legend? We think not. The good news? It’s a great addition to your eating plan. Not only is it filled with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants like lycopene, it’s also a low-calorie treat that’s mostly water and some fibre. Not only does this keep you hydrated (which is essential) and is good for your digestive system, but research shows that eating foods that are full of water can help keep you satisfied with fewer calories.

2. Grilled Fish

This one’s a no-brainer, and contrary to belief, fish doesn’t have to be fried or come with fries to be tasty. There’s a massive variety of fish you can try, and each has different benefits, but in general, white fish is a fantastic source of lean protein, while oilier fish (like mackerel or yellowtail) offers heart-healthy Omega fats. Grilling them on a barbeque is just one method; try fish kebabs or fish tacos (or even a fish sandwich – trust us).  

3. Corn
   Bet you didn’t expect this one, right? Far from being just a side dish on a barbeque, these yellow corn on the cob offer a powerful two-punch nutritional combo: they’re packed with fibre, so you feel fuller for much longer and don’t eat rubbish. However, they are still very low-calorie (as long as you don’t overdo the butter or salt). They’re also filled with plenty of beneficial antioxidants. Grill them on the barbeque, then shave them to use in salads, salsas, chowder, gazpachos, risottos, fritters and more. 

4. Greek yoghurt 

Look, we’re cheating a little here, as you can have this any time of the year, but it’s an essential pick for summer. Not only does it have plenty of probiotics, which are the beneficial bacteria that are great for your digestion, but if you choose the right one, it is filled with protein, and can help keep you satisfied between meals, or overloading your plate at the braai or dinner. It can also replace calorie-heavy desserts if you combine it with fresh fruit (see numbers 1 and 5). Just remember to choose a yoghurt that’s low in fat but high in protein. 

5. Cherries
   So, good news and bad news. Cherries have plenty of benefits BUT if you’re eating them because they’re in boozy cocktails, then, unfortunately, you aren’t winning. Both sweet and sour cherries have benefits: they can help you sleep better and reduce post-workout pain. But best of all, the anthocyanins in tart cherries can help speed up your fat-burning and decrease fat storage. Sweet cherries are also stacked with potassium (good for blood pressure), Vitamin C, beta carotene and plenty of antioxidants.  

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