…prepare foods to cutback on some of the fat. Select snacks that are low-fat, available in small portions or individual serving sizes. Grill or sauté meat, poultry, fish or plant-based proteins such as tofu or tempeh.
Weather permitting, get outside in the sun to increase your Vitamin D intake. This vitamin is essential. Stewart shared that research is emerging on the immune-boosting benefits of vitamin D and the role it has in protecting against respiratory illness. There is also new data suggesting a deficiency in vitamin D could be linked to decreased lung function and a higher risk for infection. Food sources for the vitamin include yogurt, fortified tofu, low-fat milk, soy milk, lean pork chops, salmon, fortified cereal and deviled eggs.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids— 20 percent of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks. Make sure you drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. And exercise—once you’ve finished off your meal, get moving! Whether you walk, jog or dance, count exercise as part of a health-wise lifestyle.
With a little pre-planning, and some choices from the options below, summer holiday meals can be flavorful and good for you too.