It’s no secret that incorporating more fruits into your diet can be a real health boost. They’re naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories, while providing a number of essential vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. According to the USDA, eating more fruit can help you:
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce risk of heart disease
- Reduce risk of diabetes
- Have a healthy gut (and bowel movements)
- Heal faster and more effectively
Generally speaking, you should aim to eat about a cup of fruit a day, which can seem like a lot. Luckily, the grocery stores and markets are teeming with delicious summer fruits, such as strawberries, plus, nectarines, peaches, melons, and more.
Now, when we think about incorporating fruit into our diet, we often think about deserts and snacks. But there are a whole host of savory dishes that include fruit as an ingredient, making them an excellent way to amp up your meals? healthiness and flavor. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Honey Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad
With tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, this easy to make salad is just full of freshness. But you can really turn it up a notch by adding in grilled watermelon. Simply brush watermelon slices with olive oil, salt and pepper, and drizzle a bit of honey over them. Then grill for a couple of minutes on each side to get some good grill marks. Combine with the traditional Caprese salad ingredients along with a balsamic vinaigrette and BAM! You’ve got an amazing new interpretation of a Mediterranean classic.
Cold Fruit Soups
These soups are not only delicious, but they’re mind-blowingly easy. Most of them involve throwing some stuff into a blender and then chilling in the fridge. Depending on your tastes, you can make them sweeter or more balanced. Either way, they’re a great way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Blueberry Glazed Ribs
Fruits can be the star of your dish, but they can also be used as amazing flavor enhancers. For example, take this recipe of using blueberries to create a glaze for some grilled ribs. Not only do dishes like these taste amazing, but you also get all the benefits of eating a fruit that’s high in anti-oxidants. It’s a win-win!
Grilled Corn, Peach, and Basil Salsa
Feeling like a snack? This yummy combo is so addictive, you might end up canceling out the health benefits by eating an entire bag of chips at once with it. While this recipe in particular only calls for grilling the corn, you can also cut your peaches in half and grill them flesh side down for an added kick of flavor.
Want more ideas for getting more fruit into the daily mix? Schedule an appointment with one of our nutritionists, who can develop a personalized food plan that’s both delicious and healthy!