Someone asked me the other day if I eat fruit? Does a zebra have stripes?!? I am slightly obsessed with eating fruit especially when it’s in season! There is nothing worse than an underripe or overripe piece of fruit (and sometimes it’s hard to tell until it’s too late!). I love a sweet mango and juicy watermelon quenches my thirst in the heat of summer! I recently discovered that by adding fruit to my sandwiches (like apple with tuna and arugula) and salads (strawberries are a perfect addition to spinach) I get the benefits of sweet and savory in one bite! And adding dried fruit and nuts when I make my own dark chocolate bark is so good!
Here are a few simple seasonal recipes that you can try!
Summer Smoothie:
1 cup mango
1 cup pineapple
1 cup strawberries
2 cups orange juice
1 cup vanilla yogurt
(can be frozen fruit or add ice)
Blend and enjoy!
Summer Salad:
1 ear of corn, roasted
1 long English cucumber, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes (vine-ripened if possible!)
1/2 an avocado, cubed
2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/3 cup crumbled feta
1/2 a lemon, juice only
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt + pepper to taste
In a large salad bowl, add the kernels of corn, sliced strawberries, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado chunks. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, chopped basil, olive oil, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to combine.
Can add any grilled protein (I love grilled shrimp!)
Dark Chocolate with Fruit and Nuts:
8 oz dark chocolate (try to find a good quality bar)
1/4 cup toasted cashews (or any nuts and seeds combo)
1/4 cup dried fruit of your choice
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Roughly chop dark chocolate and place all but the smallest pieces in a medium size glass bowl. Melt chocolate in microwave. Pour melted chocolate over toasted nuts and dried fruit on parchment lined baking sheet. Using a silicone spatula or metal spoon, evenly distribute melted chocolate over the fruit and nuts. Place chocolate bark in the refrigerator or freezer. And enjoy!
As always, if I can help you learn to eat intuitively or you just want someone to talk to help filter out all of the noise of diet culture (and other life “noise”) please email me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com