The warmer months have us craving summer food staples but not all of them are the healthiest options. Burgers, hot dogs, and White Claws are delicious on the outside but what havoc are they causing internally? If you're feeling a bit sluggish, it may not be the summer heat - it could be what you're consuming. So, what can you eat for a more holistic, healthy summer diet? Just keep reading.

 

We're going to cover what natural food is in season, why that's important, and other holistic eating tips for your best summer yet. It's simple: When you feel good on the inside, you look great on the outside.

Holistic eating for beginners

Holistic living involves caring for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. While you may be dieting for weight loss or an aesthetic goal, it's important to eat what makes you feel good, too. 

 

When you care for your body as a whole (holistic, remember?), you'll feel more energized, more balanced, and more confident. Plus, you may even shed some easy pounds along the way. 

 

Here are some quick holistic eating tips for beginners:

• Eat foods that are in season and locally grown (more on that next)
• Find enjoyment in whole foods as close as possible to their natural state
• Keep a food journal and note how you feel after each meal
• Listen to your body for symptoms like bloating, fatigue, cramps, and stomach pains, and eventually decipher what foods are causing them
• Consider taking a food sensitivity test to discover unknown allergens
• Swap processed sugar for sweet alternatives like maple syrup, agave nectar, and honey (or cut sugar completely)
• When grocery shopping, focus on the perimeter of the store to buy more wholesome products (fruits, veggies, meats)
• (Usually) The fruits and veggies on promo are those in season - so you'll save money and enjoy tastier produce!

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What to eat during the summer season

Being holistic is more of a lifestyle rather than a specific diet, but there are many ways to eat more holistically this summer - and all year long. That includes eating seasonally.

Why it's important to eat with the seasons

Foods are so easily transported long distances in our modern times. Many of us have no idea what's "in season" in our surrounding area. Without growing your own garden, you might not know what the most holistic options are. But first, why is it important to eat seasonally?

 

Eating seasonally provides the most nutritious - and delicious - foods. In a study monitoring broccoli, those grown during its peak season (fall) had a higher vitamin C content than broccoli grown during the spring. That's because produce "can't follow their natural growing and ripening rhythms," MindBodyGreen reports. 

 

Eating seasonally is based on the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda. The idea of eating what's in season in your unique environment helps maintain health and even prevent disease. Ingesting adaptogens and vitamin-rich foods naturally boosts your immune system, decreases inflammation, increases energy levels and keeps you, YOU.

 

Foods that are in season during the summer

According to the USDA, here are some in-season, summer staples to add to your grocery list:

• Apples
• Avocados
• Beets
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Melons
• Carrots
• Corn
• Citrus
• Mangos
• Peaches
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini

You may have noticed all of those items are fruits and veggies. To eat seasonally in other categories, check out your local farmer's market. You may get lucky to score some freshly made kombucha, cheeses, and meats!

Living holistically moving forward

There are many ways to embrace a more holistic lifestyle and that might look different for everyone. The first step on this wellness journey is to spark change in your current life, no matter how small at first. As long as you start to make more conscious decisions and healthier choices, you’re on the holistic path!