Summer is in full swing, and I’m loving all of the fresh food options and long, warm days. Food seems to be a central part of so many summer activities - picnics, BBQS, birthday parties, and outdoor concerts. And while you may be bombarded with more chips and ice cream than usual, it’s also pretty easy to make more hormone-friendly choices without sacrificing flavor.
Get ready to make a grocery list and swing by your nearby farmer’s market to stock up on all your summer eating staples!
My Favorite Hormone-Friendly Summer Meals It’s so much easier to shop locally and seasonally during the summer months. Embrace the abundance of fresh produce and outdoor-friendly meals with some of these hormone-loving meal ideas.
Summer Salads: I’ve been enjoying summery salads on repeat. You can find inspiration with the recipes linked below, or build your own with your favorite protein (I love chicken, salmon, and quinoa), healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil-based dressing are all great options!), and loads of seasonal produce for fiber.
Healthy Couscous Salad from Liz Moody
Summer Salmon Salad from The Hormone Dietitian
Watermelon Arugula Salad from Nourished by Nutrition
BBQ-Friendly Meals: Whether I’m enjoying a backyard BBQ at home or going to family or a friend’s house, I love incorporating healthy (and delicious!) options into the spread.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken from Real Simple Good
Fresh Mango Salsa from Cookie & Kate
Grilled Veggies from The Defined Dish
Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad from Healthful Blondie
Grilled Peaches from Ambitious Kitchen
Hormone-Friendly Cocktails & Mocktails: This might be a controversial perspective, but I think an occasional cocktail is totally fine to enjoy, even if you’re on a fertility journey. (Of course, be sure to check with your doctor!) The key is to enjoy an adult beverage with a blood sugar-balancing meal, pair it with plenty of water, and not overindulge. And there are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic options to enjoy too!
Aperol Spritz (my personal favorite summer drink!) from Eating Well
Watermelon Mint Mojito (mocktail!) from Olivia Noceda
Mango Margarita from Downshiftology
Tell me, what are your favorite summery recipes? Do you find it easier to feed your body with nourishing foods this time of year? I’m always looking for new ideas, so send me a DM and let me know your must-have summer meals. And if you need more meal inspiration, be sure to download my free guide for a day of hormone-friendly meals here!