The days are longer and the high temperature has a significant influence to our daily diet: During the summer time, it is necessary to eat foods with a high water content, such us fruit, vegetables, salads and fishes, as well as foods that retain water after cooking, such as pasta and beans.
During these months, our bodies may require fewer calories because they do not need to work as hard to maintain their temperature. This can make it easier to follow a lighter, balanced diet. Remember to choose fresh foods whenever possible to avoid feeling heavy during the summer.
Refreshing dishes like cold soup or salads are more appealing than ever, they are also easy to prepare, which means that we can spend more time enjoying the longer days, and of course, they are very beneficial to our health.
Olive oil is recognized worldwide for its delicious taste and numerous benefits. Naturally, it is also the key ingredient in many summer dishes: Olive oil can make them more digestive. As a matter of fact, the consumption of olive oil rises during the summer time.
Salads are another star in the summer kitchen; they are fresh, cool and hydrating, a dish of salad dressed with olive oil can make you feel healthy and empowered especially in the hot season.
Cold soups are very popular in Spain and other Mediterranean countries, these soups contain only the fresh season vegetables, they are easy to prepare, light, and full of vitamins and energy, which is good for refreshing in summer. The key to get an extraordinary flavor is use the olive oil to season.
The most famous dish is Gazpacho which is prepared with tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and salt. Salmorejo is also a popular soup made with tomatoes, bread, garlic and olive oil. You can also be creative using your favorite vegetables and fruits to make your own summer cold soup, just remember, always add some olive oil to make it even tastier.
How about enjoying an ice cream with your family? Everyone loves ice cream! And now, olive oil can help you to make it healthier and tastier. More and more chefs choose to use olive oil to prepare desserts because the refreshing flavor it can bring and the nutritive elements.
