Okay, so its summer time, which usually means spending time outdoors, grilling on the BBQ, finding cool things to do with the kids and squeezing your….um, ample behind (if you are like me) into a bathing suit. This maybe something that some of you look forward to, I am not one of those people. Since having kids, I have gained a pound or two, now that is not to say that I’m not super hot (what??? moms can be super hot), I am, but there is just more super hotness than before. So here are some great summer meals that help you trim your figure (or keep it slim) and some great bathing suits that will make any shape look amazing.
HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT BATHING SUIT
Sweetie Reviews gives this great, point by point, list of advice for those of us who are looking for a comfortable and flattering swimsuit style for our figure.
Also Good House Keeping has a great article on finding the right style to flatter your figure and gives you photo examples of bathing suits that may be right for you.
SWIMWEAR PLACE
The Swimwear Place has inexpensive swim suits for any shape, they have a huge selection, so after use have used the guides above, click through their many choices and find your ultimate summer look.
So now that you have found the best suit for you, its time to shed just a few pounds (if you need to, which I certainly do). Even if you aren’t looking to slim down, summer time is a great time to eat healthy and be active. Many succulent fruits and vegetables are available during the summer months, which makes eating healthy, much easier. Here are a few great recipes for summer fun by the pool or at the beach.
Provencal Summer Squash and Potato Gratin
- Total Time:
- 1 hr 45 min
- Prep
- 20 min
- Inactive
- 10 min
- Cook
- 1 hr 15 min
- Yield:
- 6 side dish servings
- Level:
- Intermediate
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly mist a shallow 2-quart baking or gratin dish with cooking spray.
Thinly slice the squash, zucchini, potato, and onion 1/4-inch thick with a mandolin or by hand. Shingle the vegetables in the prepared baking dish in one layer. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the rosemary leaves and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil and bake until the potatoes are tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
Remove the foil; sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until the cheese is browned and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 45 minutes more. Let stand at least 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories 87; Total Fat 5.2g (Sat Fat 2.2g, Mono Fat 1.7g, Poly Fat 0.3g) ; Protein 3g; Carb 8g; Fiber 1.5g; Cholesterol 5mg;
Tomato & Basil Finger Sandwiches
From EatingWell: August/September 2006
A smear of reduced-fat mayonnaise and a little fresh basil allow perfectly ripe tomatoes to shine.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 slices whole-wheat bread
- 8 teaspoons reduced-fat mayonnaise, divided
- 4 thick slices tomato
- 4 teaspoons sliced fresh basil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
REPARATION
- Cut bread into rounds slightly larger than your tomato"a biscuit cutter works well. Spread each slice with 2 teaspoons mayonnaise. Top with tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 75 calories; 2 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 12 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 2 g protein; 2 g fiber; 345 mg sodium; 118 mg potassium.
Summer Vegetable Crêpes
From EatingWell: July/August 2008
Crêpes aren’t just for dessert—they make a quick and savory weeknight dinner. Here they’re filled with ricotta cheese, green beans, zucchini and corn and topped with a chive-cream sauce. Don’t skip the step of placing a piece of parchment or wax paper under each crêpe as you fill it—without it, the crêpes are tricky to roll. Serve with: A tossed salad.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 slices whole-wheat bread
- 8 teaspoons reduced-fat mayonnaise, divided
- 4 thick slices tomato
- 4 teaspoons sliced fresh basil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
PREPARATION
- Cut bread into rounds slightly larger than your tomato"a biscuit cutter works well. Spread each slice with 2 teaspoons mayonnaise. Top with tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 75 calories; 2 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 12 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 2 g protein; 2 g fiber; 345 mg sodium; 118 mg potassium.
