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Summertime… when temperatures reach into the 90s and 100s, often accompanied by uncomfortable humidity. Cooks are not rushing into hot kitchens, but Seniors are craving colder fares and cool beverages. An abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables fortunately bring healthy choices for Summer meals. Eating fresh produce provides nutrients needed for energy, strong immune systems, healthy blood pressure, and regularity. Summer is indeed the optimum time to indulge in a nutritious diet.

Watermelon, rich in antioxidants, contains 92% water and is rich in antioxidants. Strawberries, a variety of melons, and peaches help hydrate as well. Choose a variety of fruits, mix with vanilla yogurt, and voila!…  a healthy, cool, dessert or fruit salad.

Cucumbers flush toxins, cool sunburn, reduce chances of cancer, and maintain kidneys. In the following recipe cucumbers also add a little “kick” to summer meals.

Cucumbers and Onions

  • 1 ½ tsp dill seed
  • ¾ tsp mustard seed
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 TB salt
  • 2-3 cucumbers, sliced
  • ½ onion sliced
Mix together and enjoy as a side dish or by itself.

Even sweet-tooths may be satisfied with a recipe for gluten-free No Bake Cocoa Cookies.

No Bake Cocoa Cookies

  • 1 ½ cup sugar or sugar substitute
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup butter or one stick of margarine
  • 4 TB unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Bring sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa to a boil and cook for 1 -2  minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened. Try to eat just one!

Main dishes are simplified with the availability of fresh produce. Core or halve bell peppers and stuff with a mixture of rice, tomatoes, onions, and browned low-fat ground beef. Top with shredded cheese and heat in the microwave. Fill tomatoes with tuna salad, a “no cook” delicious recipe. If an outdoor grill is available, barbecue your selection of meat, fish, or veggie kabob. Keep kitchens cool by grilling sweet corn, potatoes, and eggplant outdoors.

Senior Living Communities love to use local produce stands when planning meals. Some even sponsor farmer’s markets on their campus. Residents might be provided raised garden beds to grow and share “crops.” Seniors who grew up in simpler times remember the best flavors are homegrown and delivered straight to the table.

Bridge to Better Living knows one of the most important perks of enjoying a new lifestyle is to have healthy, flavorful food. Meals, when enjoyed with others, are opportunities for social engagement, boosting physical and mental health. Contact Bridge to Better Living today to find the most appropriate new lifestyle that fits your or your loved one’s taste.