I once heard tale of lazy summer days spent lounging around the pool reading entertaining paperbacks. But, I’m pretty sure it’s just a fairytale. If you’re anything like me summers are even busier and more stressful that any other time of the year. And add trying to eat healthy with all the cookouts, parties and celebrations going on, well, now you’re talking pure fantasy. But it doesn’t have to be; with a little preparation you can eat quick, healthy, stress-free meals all summer long.

The key to keeping healthy eating stress-free this summer is by stocking up on plenty of all-natural, wholesome snacks such as fruit, nuts and veggies. Keep the produce sliced, cleaned and ready to grab from the fridge. Buy your nuts in bulk then make single-serving bags and place in your pantry so you can take some on your way out the door.

Summertime is the best time to get friendly with your new favorite appliance: your blender. This handy little domestic device rules the roost when it comes to making quick, easy, healthy, stress-free foods such as soups, salad dressings, spreads, dips and (healthy) desserts.


Some quick, easy concoctions to include in your healthy eating game plan:

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

This versatile smoothie can be served as a snack, a drink or a dessert. The combination of frozen and fresh ripe bananas is what makes it so yummy.

1 frozen banana

1/2 fresh ripe banana

Handful of fresh blueberries

Combine the frozen and fresh bananas and blueberries in a blender and puree. Add as much purified water as needed (up to 1/2 cup) to achieve the thickness you prefer, and blend again. When the liquid is smooth and frothy, pour the smoothie into a glass and serve.

Cucumber Avocado Soup

This soup is so light and fresh and chuck-full of those heart healthy fats that we love.

4 large cucumbers, cleaned and peeled

4 celery stalks

1 Hass avocado, peeled and pitted

1/4 cup chopped dill

1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice

4 cups purified water

Put all the ingredients in the blender and whir them until creamy smooth. Pour into bowls and serve.

Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad

If heirloom tomatoes are not available, good old-fashioned beefsteak tomatoes are just as juicy and delicious. The combination of sweet tomatoes and tangy cheese is always scrumptious.

3 to 4 heirloom tomatoes (choose different colors and sizes)

2 avocados

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup aged Gouda cheese, sliced with a vegetable peeler into thin strips

Slice the tomatoes and the avocados into 1/3-inch slices. Place on a platter or six individual plates. In a small bowl combine the olive oil and the lemon juice and drizzle over the tomatoes and avocados, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the cheese.

Cucumber and Black-Eyed Pea Salad

This simple, but tasty salad will help add some variety to your every day dinner salad.

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried

Freshly ground pepper to taste

4 cups peeled and diced cucumbers

1 14-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed

2/3 cup diced red bell pepper

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup slivered red onion

2 tablespoons chopped black olives

Whisk oil, lemon juice, oregano and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add cucumber, black-eyed peas, bell pepper, feta, onion and olives; toss to coat. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Be sure to stay hydrated. Summer heat can cause dehydration, which often leads to lethargy and unwise food choices. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. And if you start to get sick of just plain water (I know I do!), add some lemons or strawberry slices for additional flavor with no additional calories.

Summertime can be very stressful with all the extra social obligations but your healthy eating habits don’t have to add to your stress level. Just be sure to take the time to plan ahead, be creative and you without even realizing it you will be enjoying quick, healthy and stress-free meals all summer long.

Coming up…Avoiding the Summertime Blues