With summer right around the corner, it's time to put away the casserole cookbook and add some light and healthy recipes to your weekly line-up. While winter meals are often hearty and heavy, summer meals can be lighter, smaller, and often less expensive. Here are some tips to eat well this summer, but still save money on feeding your family.
Cook outside
Whenever possible, cook as much of your meal as you can outside. Not only does the taste of grilled food scream summer eating, it also saves on your home utilities by not running your oven and heating up your house. Thinking beyond grilled hot dogs and hamburgers will keep you eating well all summer. Throw some veggies in some butter with spices and toss them on the grill right at the end for a healthy side dish. You can even make pizza on the grill.
Think lighter
The heat of summer and the threat of needing to don tiny shorts and bathing suits are two good reasons to lighten up your eating. While a winter dinner might include spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic bread, a reasonable summer meal might be a sandwich and some chips. When you're not very hungry, try making a 'munchie plate'. Cut up some finger foods like cheese, salami, carrot sticks, and crackers,and add some yogurt or dressing for dipping.
Vegetables and fruits rule
One of the best things about summer is the abundance of fruits and vegetables that are in season. Find a local farmer's market, or join a CSA, and enjoy healthy, locally grown vegetables and fruits all summer. Toss together a summer salad or make veggie kabobs to grill and enjoy a healthy and inexpensive meal. Vegetables and fruits also make easy and quick side dishes to your main meal.
Pack a picnic
Instead of spending money eating out at a restaurant, pack a picnic. A couple sandwiches, some chips, and crackers, and drinks is an easy meal on the run. Picnics are also a great way to save money on family vacations. When packing your picnic, remember to use reusable sandwich wraps and snack bags. Keeping some melt-proof granola bars and crackers in your car can serve as a snack in pinch and help you avoid costly stops at convenience stores.
Summer eating can be healthy and inexpensive. Focus on the foods that are in season, shop locally, and plan lighter meals. This might not only help trim your family's food budget, but also a little off your waist.
What are your favorite summer eating tips?
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