How to Get Your Summer Greens In

The heat is still on—and while many are heading back to school, the weather beckons lighter fare in line with the weather in many places, especially here in Southern California. Whether you’re on a diet, working with a nutrition and mindset coach like me, or just starting to eat healthier, it’s the perfect time to opt for some low carb options when planning your meals. An easy way to do that is to feature greens as the star of your entrée to ensure your meal is packed with fiber, nutrients and antioxidants.

Some excellent choices are spinach, arugula, kale, collard greens, broccoli and even iceberg lettuce, which is often overlooked as it is not as nutrient-rich as other greens, yet has an impressive water content and provides an awesome foundation for salads and wraps.

Here are some quick and easy ways to wrap more greens into your summer nights.

Wrap Your Veggies

Toss your favorite foods into a spinach or iceberg foundation with some balsamic vinegar or even an avocado dip for rich creaminess. Opt for nutrient-rich veggies such as tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots and Alfafa sprouts, but also think outside the box and throw in some hearty antioxidant-loaded options like sweet potatoes.

Wrap Your Fruit

Add some Asian flair to your greens with brown rice and a spicy sauce like Sriracha, along with your favorite fruits. Get creative—try some tropical mangoes and papayas or throw in some blood or mandarin oranges, grapefruit or even kiwi. Berries are also a surprisingly great addition to any wrap and really pack the antioxidant content.

Wrap Your Burger

If you must have a burger, take the carb count down several notches by skipping the bun and wrapping your burger in iceberg lettuce. They call this “protein style” at In-N-Out and it’s actually a very popular item on their secret menu.

Green Smoothie Bowls

Smoothie bowls are perfect for sneaking in extra greens! Use a base of your favorite greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard and add some protein powder, Greek yogurt or even chia seeds for a protein boost. Add a banana, a handful of berries, and a splash of almond milk to create a thick, creamy texture. Sprinkle nuts, seeds, or granola on top for that satisfying crunch.

Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, aka Zoodles, are an excellent alternative to pasta and are perfect for incorporating more greens into your diet. You can buy them pre-made or use a spiralizer to turn fresh zucchini into healthy strands of green goodness.

As you can see, incorporating summer greens into your diet doesn’t have to be boring. Try these creative ideas to help you better enjoy the flavors and benefits of fresh greens. To discover more possibilities for summer nutrition, consider working with a nutrition and mindset coach like me.