Soul To Sole: Summer Ready Recipes

written by Ciara Lucas, TV Journalist, certified fitness trainer and nutrition coach, Vionic Innovation Lab guest contributor

 

Happy Summer!

This season is typically filled with social events, vacations, and busy schedules that can get in the way of health/fitness routines. But having a good time doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your goals. When it comes to maintaining health while enjoying a sizzling summer, it’s best to adjust expectations and look for options that are better, as opposed to perfect. Adopting a choose better mindset eases the pressure of sticking to rigid food rules. Maybe you pick grilled chicken instead of ribs, or fresh fruit salad instead of potato chips. Whatever you choose to eat, feel confident that it’s the right choice for you and then enjoy it! Ditch the guilt, bring on the fun. And always remember that you have the power to start over. Here are 5 recipes that can keep you satisfied and cool for the summer. Perfect for a summer picnic or brunch with friends, and a good excuse to bring out your favorite sundress and flat sandals!

 

Apple Dijon Salad

 

Salad Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb chopped kale (about one bunch)
• 1 medium granny smith apple
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup pine nuts

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 10-15 cranks freshly cracked pepper

 

Directions:

1. Rinse kale under cool running water.
2. In a blender: combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, clove of garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until the garlic is minced and the dressing is smooth.
3. Wash the apple and slice into thin wedges. Make sure the kale is as dry as possible and then add it to a large bowl along with the apples, pine nuts, and raisins. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Add more dressing as desired.

 

Grilled Veggie Bowl

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup carrots
• 3 white potatoes
• 1 red onion
• 1 bag sweet peas
• 1 can garbanzo beans
• bag of Jasmine rice

*There are a lot of creative liberties that can be take with this recipe! Choose any vegetables you enjoy; seasonal options will be the best choice.

 

Directions:

1. Chop selected veggies and coat in olive oil, salt and pepper. Veggies can be grilled, or oven roasted. If using oven, preheat to 425 degrees and place veggies on baking sheet. Cook them thoroughly, until slightly brown.
2. While veggies are cooking, boil water and cook rice.
3. Assemble bowls; place vegetables on a bed of rice.

 

Green Summer Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 banana
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1/3 cup frozen mango (diced)

 

Directions:

1. Toss ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend together until smooth.
3. Drink and enjoy!

 

Healthy Cocktail Alternatives

 

 

Blackberry Tequila Smash

Ingredients:

• 6 blackberries, muddled
• 5 mint leaves
• 2 oz. tequila
• 1/2 oz. agave syrup
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• Ice
• 2 oz. club soda

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
2. Mix and pour over ice.
3. Top with club soda & enjoy!

 

Pineapple Margarita (with no added sugar!)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. lime juice
• Ice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
2. Mix and pour over ice.

 

Non-Alcoholic Margarita Popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/3 cup agave syrup
• Lime slices or other fresh seasonal fruits, like strawberries

Directions:  

1. Combine liquids together.
2. Place liquid into popsicle molds.
3. Arrange fruit slices into molds.
4. Freeze approximately 5 hours. 

 

 

 

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