As the sweet summertime draws to an end, school will soon be in session. Whether you and your family are down in the dumps or leaping for joy, aim to celebrate the close of summer and the opening of new possibilities with these healthful, seasonal August foods.
Corn
This sunny yellow vegetable is a good source of complex carbs, which support steady energy levels for all your kiddos’ activities. In addition, corn has eye-healthy carotenoids, an antioxidant essential for good sight.
Pick: Fresh with the husks or choose frozen.
Mealtime Enjoyments
Dinner: Go traditional by topping the summer off right with grilled corn on the cob. Your kids will smile ear to ear. (See recipe below.)
Lunch: Fill whole grain tortilla with black beans, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheese with a side of salsa. Your kids can also help you assemble them for their lunch boxes. “My kids like combining all the ingredients and wrapping it up,” says LouAnn, a Lenexa mother of two grade schoolers. “It gives them a good start for cooking skills.”
Watermelon
What epitomizes the sweetness of summertime more than a slice of fresh watermelon? Not only is this sensational summer food a seasonal classic, it’s a great source of hydration and electrolytes needed during the dog days of August.
Pick: Fresh or short cuts.
Mealtime Enjoyments
Dessert: For a sweet and refreshing treat, opt for watermelon sticks. (See recipe below.)
Snack: Simply blend watermelon chunks and milk with ice to enjoy a watermelon slush. Your kids can enjoy this quick pick-me-up in a pinch indoors or outdoors.
Tomatoes
This sweet and juicy vegetable is a so versatile in dishes and is a super source of fiber for digestion and antioxidants for immune health.
Pick: Fresh or canned.
Mealtime Enjoyments
Lunch: Slice and layer on sandwiches, paninis and wraps. Chop tomatoes and add to omelets or a blend of greens.
Snack: Keep it simple yet complete. Serve it kebab style with a source of protein. (See recipe below.)
Recipes
Corn on the cob: Rub husked ears with butter and wrap in foil. Grill over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, adding a few dollops of butter and turning several times.
Watermelon Sticks: Cut watermelon in wedges and insert wooden craft sticks into the rind of the wedge. Freeze for about 4 hours and drizzle with dark chocolate and shredded coconut.
Tomato kebabs: On a wooden skewer, line up a cherry tomato, mozzarella cheese slice, jumbo black olive and a slice of turkey.
Savor the rest of the summer with these healthful and seasonal classic treats!
Amy Hundley is a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, and a published freelance nutrition writer. She is currently practicing as a clinical RD and has been a resident of Olathe since early childhood.