One of my favorite things about the summer time is fresh produce. Fresh produce contributes many positive benefits towards your diet. If you are trying to lose weight this summer, fresh produce will also have many positive effects on your workout effectiveness.

In general, it is good to supply your body with foods that can be broken down. The simpler, the better. It is nice to eat foods that do not have more than there ingredients listed on them. Here is where fresh produce comes into play. If you can buy from a local farm, or from a supermarket that does, do so! Another great way to get involved with local farming is through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. In this program, you pay a certain amount of money to participate and by doing so, you are guaranteed to receive that farm’s produce every week. They will supply you with whatever is in season, so it is also a great way to try out new vegetables.

Choosing healthier foods will help your body use nutrients more effectively. You will get a better workout in, and you will also lose more weight! Produce is at its peak during the summer months, so take advantage of that! Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and more. They are a great pre and post workout snack, as you need all of that to get the most out of your workout. For example, while working out, you will probably produce a lot of oxidants, so why not counteract them with a supply of antioxidants through delicious foods such as blueberries.

Focus on getting your fill of berries, melons, tomatoes, zucchini, beets, pea pods, cucumbers, and more. Eat as much as you want, because it is really hard to “damage” your body by eating a lot of produce. Some options for preparing the produce  include chilled soup, grilling, salads (mmm, a multi-bean salad!), and fruit-based desserts. You could also make smoothies for yourself that are made out of fruits and vegetables.

There are many different ways to take advantage of the summer months. Combining good eating habits with exercise will certainly have positive results in the end for you!