Find out 4 ways to prep for the summer
Title: 4 Ways to Meal Prep for the New Summer Season
As the summer season approaches, it’s time to refresh our meal prep routines. Summer not only offers an abundance of vibrant and fresh produce but also brings with it opportunities for lighter, more refreshing meals. This season, you can enhance your meal preparation in a way that is healthy, efficient, and fully leverages the bounty of summer. Here are four ways to meal prep for the new summer season:
- Take Advantage of Seasonal Produce
During the summer, local markets brim with a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables. These seasonal ingredients are not only fresher but often more flavorful and nutritious. They can also be more affordable when bought in their peak season. Therefore, meal prepping for summer means leveraging these ingredients to the fullest.
Plan your meals around fresh produce such as berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, and leafy greens like spinach and arugula. From refreshing salads and wraps to zesty salsas and cooling smoothies, you can prepare a variety of dishes in advance that emphasize these ingredients.
- Prepare No-Cook or Minimal-Cook Meals
Summer heat often steers us away from long hours in a warm kitchen. This is where no-cook or minimal-cook meals come into play. They can be prepared quickly and easily, saving energy and time.
Consider cold pasta salads with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette, Greek yogurt parfaits with seasonal fruits for breakfast, or hearty grain salads with quinoa or farro. These dishes can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal. Not to mention, these lighter meals will likely be more appealing in the summer heat.
- Grill in Bulk
For those days when you’re in the mood for cooking, consider grilling. Grilling imparts a unique flavor to your food and can be a healthier cooking method as it often requires less oil. Plus, it keeps the heat outdoors!
During your meal prep, grill various proteins and vegetables in bulk. Chicken breasts, fish fillets, and skewered shrimp can be cooked and used throughout the week in different meals. Similarly, grilled vegetables like corn, peppers, and eggplant can be incorporated into salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
- Stay Hydrated with Infused Water and Smoothies
Lastly, summer meal prep isn’t just about the food; hydration is crucial in the hotter months. Infused water and smoothies can be prepped in advance and offer a refreshing twist on hydration.
Slice up fruits like lemons, limes, strawberries, or cucumbers, and add them to a pitcher of water in the fridge. This will create a refreshing infused water to sip on throughout the day. For smoothies, you can prep and freeze individual portions of fruits and vegetables. When you’re ready, just blend them with your choice of liquid (water, coconut water, almond milk, etc.) for a nutritious and hydrating meal or snack.
Just remember, summer meal prep can be a breeze with some strategic planning. By using seasonal produce, opting for no-cook or minimal-cook meals, grilling in bulk, and ensuring you stay hydrated, you can ensure that your summer meals are as enjoyable as they are nutritious. Happy meal prepping!
