5 Reasons Low-Carb is the Perfect Summer Diet

Article posted in: Nutrition
summer diet

What are your favorite summertime activities? Going to the beach? Hosting a barbecue? From the berries you pack in the cooler to the grilled tuna you serve your guests, many summer pastimes involve healthy, low-carb foods you’re already eating. Plus, warm weather means more outdoor fun! Find out why the summer season is the perfect time to try out the South Beach Diet.

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Here are five reasons why you should go low-carb for the summer:

1. An Easy, Breezy Summer

healthy cooking tips

As soon as you say “yes” to South Beach Diet and “yes” to your health and happiness, you’ll get started with our easy-to-follow meal plan that makes healthy cooking simple and easy. Your menu will be filled with nutritious low carb ingredients, including Vegetables, Proteins like meat, and Healthy Fats like olive oil and avocado. You’ll cook up simple DIY meals and snacks: These are healthy meals that you cook up on your own while following the easy guidelines we provide you.

2. Seasonal Bounty

farmer's market tips

On the South Beach Diet meal plan, you will be eating an abundance of fresh, whole foods like veggies, some fruits, meats and fats. We recommend eating at least three servings of non-starchy veggies per day. For a complete list, check out our Grocery Guide! > The perfect place to find this summer bounty is at a farmer’s market, where you can also learn more about eating and cooking with flavorful, healthful, seasonal ingredients.

Farmers will be able to tell you when something was picked and they will often allow (and encourage) you to sample a berry or bean before you purchase it. They can also tell you their favorite ways to cook the produce, and what kind of items you can expect in coming weeks so you can plan some healthy recipes. Of course, you can’t pick the brains of these food connoisseurs during peak time. Hit up the market as soon as it opens (so you can get first pick) or just before closing time (if you’re a bargain shopper). Bring cash in small bills, if possible, and stock up the summer harvest!

Not sure what’s in season during the summer? Check out our Spring and Summer Produce Guide! >

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3. Grilled Goodness

summer diet

If you’re like us in the summer time, you’re grilling. And lucky for you, most grilled foods are South Beach Diet-approved! We’ve written and tested dozens of recipes specifically for the grill, such as Garlic and Soy Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Melon Salsa or our Grilled Chicken Salad. Plus, because your kitchen counter is filled with fresh seasonal produce, we’ve got BBQ veggie side recipes like Cucumber Feta Salad, Simple Cheesy Summer Squash and Baked Avocado Fries with Chipotle Garlic Dip.

There’s nothing more filling (or refreshing) on a hot day than a cold shake. Whether you love chocolate or vanilla, protein shakes mixed with water and a little ice make for a refreshing meal or treat. Summertime Hack: Throw your shake in the freezer and dig in with a spoon like ice cream! It’s the perfect after-dinner dessert to cool down when you’re finished grilling.

4. Happy Hydration

a smiling man pouring water into a glass

It is essential to stay hydrated in the summer heat. On our meal plan, we recommend drinking half of your body weight in ounces of fluid each day. However, please note that this is just a recommendation and you may need more or less fluid based on your activity level or other factors. Speak to your doctor to ensure you are hydrating properly for your specific needs. Your fluid intake can include water, unsweetened herbal or green tea and black coffee. You can also sip on lemon water and refreshingly fizzy seltzer.

5. Low-Carb Living

summer diet

Our low-carb lifestyle is not super strict. This ultimately makes our version of low-carb an easier transition and a long-term healthy lifestyle. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of low-carb without cutting carbs completely out of your summer diet.

Your net carb intake will be limited to 50 grams or less per day on our meal plan. This will allow you to enjoy healthy carbs in moderation and is more than what most low-carb diets allow. By following a flexible, low-carb diet, you can still enjoy some of your favorite summer treats in moderation.

You don’t have to give up fun on your low-carb diet! You can easily enjoy the season while sticking to our life-friendly plan. Check out some meal and snack ideas for a variety of different summer activities below:

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