Summer is around the corner and with it comes all the “fun” foods that make it tempting to stray from a healthy diet. But, Summer is also the easiest season to add delicious fresh fruits to increase nutrition and naturally satisfy the sweet cravings!
If you may be diabetic or pre-diabetic, you can still enjoy the best of what summer has to offer by making sure you eat the skins on fruits (for a little extra fiber) and by choosing fruits that are higher in fiber, such as apples, bananas, strawberries, pears, plums, etc… Remember to add some protein to balance out the sugar from the fruit with a small handful of almonds or walnuts, eating at least a few before that first scrumptious fruit bite.
Here are some easy tips to adding fruit into your and your family’s diet:
1.Freeze fresh fruit such as grapes and take them to the pool, the park or on a hike as a snack.
2.Blend fresh fruit with either low-fat milk or be adventurous and add macadamia nut milk for a “breakfast on-the-go”. Kids will love it if you freeze the smoothie in popsicle molds or ice cube trays for a fun, healthy snack.
3.Cut various fresh fruits for a beautiful fruit bowl and try sprinkling cinnamon on it as a twist for a light dessert after dinner.
Whatever fruit tickles your tastebuds, remember that the brighter the color of the fruit, the more nutrition it’ll contain. Try to “eat the rainbow” with a variety of different colors of fruits to ensure you’re maximizing your nutritional intake.
Just remember to check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.
Cheers to Summer!
Melissa Hooper, MS, RD
