No oven summer recipes
There's no way around it - Texas summers are hot. In addition to the CDC's recommended goal of 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day. How can one maintain a healthy diet while staying cool in the kitchen? If you don't want to feel like you're baking in an oven, beat the heat with these light, oven-free recipes that will keep your body fueled, hydrated, and satisfied.
Cool down and fuel up with these nutritious and delicious "no-oven" recipes!
BBQ Chicken with Peach and Feta Slaw
Who doesn't love barbecue in the summer? This is the perfect balanced meal that is sure to please every palate!
What makes this entrée stand out: it contains protein, fiber, and even water, too. Lean protein, such as chicken, keeps your hunger at bay and helps maintain muscle mass. Fiber from the slaw prevents spikes in blood sugars and can help with weight management. Juicy peaches provide vitamins, minerals, and water to keep you hydrated in the Texas sun.
Bring this salsa to the next block party and your neighbors will be begging you for the recipe! This dish is jam-packed with flavor and gives you a hearty serving of veggies to meet your 3-cups-a-day goal! Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to fight off free-radicals which can damage the immune system. Even better, combining the fat-soluble lycopene with heart-healthy avocados + olive oil can potentially assist with its absorption and bioavailability. Avocados are an excellent source of fiber, folate, and nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. What's not to love about avocados? Enjoy with baked corn tortilla chips or by itself as a side dish.
Tuscan 3 Bean Salad with Grilled Mushrooms
When you don't feel like turning on the oven, go for this quintessential summer dish that is lightweight but hearty. Pair with brown rice or quinoa to enjoy as a yummy meatless entrée. Fun fact: mushrooms are one of the few dietary sources of vitamin D and the only vegetable that can increase its vitamin D content when exposed to light, the same way our skin can make vitamin D from sunlight. Beans are a nutrition powerhouse - they provide a hefty dose of protein, fiber, and several types of phytochemicals.
What's so great about phytochemicals?
- Lignans may play a role in preventing osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain cancers
- Flavonoids may help reduce heart disease and cancer risk
- Plant sterol esters, or phytosterols, may help reduce cholesterol levels
Throughout the summer, remember to hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water and noshing on water-packed fruits and vegetables. Your body will thank you!