With the arrival of summer, there is a growing desire to feel good about one's body, especially in the run-up to the vacations. Many people decide to go on a diet to lose a few pounds accumulated during the year, but it is important to do so with awareness.
A balanced diet should not be a last-minute sacrifice, but an opportunity to improve one's eating habits. Rather than relying on drastic regimens or "crash diets," it is better to focus on a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Drinking plenty of water, limiting sugars and ultra-processed foods, and exercising are key allies, as are good fats, found in extra virgin olive oil and nuts.
Dieting before the vacations can help you feel more energetic and lighter, but the real goal should be well-being, not aesthetic perfection. A healthy body is one that is cared for consistently, not shaped in a hurry for the dress rehearsal!
A balanced summer diet helps you feel light and fit without sacrificing the well-being of your body and mind.
Let's come to the practical side: what to put in the shopping cart?
1. Seasonal fruits and vegetables: rich in water, vitamins and minerals, help rehydrate and fight summer fatigue. Watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers and lettuce
2. Light but nutritious foods: Whole grains (brown rice, spelt, barley, quinoa) that are satiating without being heavy; lean proteins such as fish (preferably blue), chicken, turkey, and legumes
3. Good fats: Extra virgin olive oil to be used raw, nuts in small amounts (walnuts, almonds) and avocados
4. Beverages: Water (2 liters per day), cold unsweetened herbal teas, and fruit and vegetable centrifuges or extracts
Eating in moderation, choosing fresh, seasonal foods, avoiding skipping meals (especially breakfast) and getting some daily physical activity (even if it's just a walk) are the keys to staying fit and feeling good even in hot weather.
It is important to rely on the advice of a professional and not diets that promise amazing results in a short time and with drastic restrictions on food.
