In summer, there's no shortage of aperitifs, meals at the beach bar, dinners with friends, barbecues, and family gatherings. Sharing good times around the table is a great tradition and a fundamental part of our leisure time. The problem is that it's very easy to overindulge, and this can lead to indigestion, discomfort, and weight gain.
We give you some tips to make lunches and dinners healthier and lighter and avoid overindulging at the table:
BEFORE LEAVING
- Lunches and dinners on holidays and weekends tend to start late, so people tend to arrive late. As a first tip, we recommend having a cup of bone broth before leaving home . It will fill you up and you'll be able to sit down at the table with less anxiety.
- If you haven't been able to have bone broth before heading out, we recommend a shot of vinegar diluted in water before sitting down at the table. It will aid your digestion and prevent a post-meal sugar spike.
HEALTHY DRINKS
- The first part of the meal is key. Upon arrival, it's best to order sparkling water or a healthy drink like kombucha. Avoid spirits and sugary sodas. If you'd like wine, order it by the glass, rather than beer or tinto de verano.
SNACKS THAT CONTRIBUTE
- While waiting for your meal, avoid potatoes, fried nuts, and salted foods, as they'll make you even hungrier. Bread and breadsticks... don't even try them! Order something filling, like olives or mussels, as an appetizer.
HEALTHY MAINS
- Always try to start with something green or a tomato salad as a starter. Sometimes vegetables are scarce on the menu; if they aren't available, opt for Iberian ham or seafood, as they provide protein and healthy fats that fill us up.
- For your main course, choose fish, seafood, or quality meat. Grilled, salted, or oven-baked options will suit you best. In summer, there are many raw fish options, such as tartar and carpaccio; if they agree with you, they're a good choice. What we do recommend avoiding is fried foods, rice, and pasta, especially at night.
- As a side dish, avoid fried foods and opt for healthier options that are steamed or baked.
HAPPY END
- And what do we do when dessert comes around? A great alternative to dessert is to order an infusion. Not only does it help you digest the food better, but it also satiates you completely. And if you add ice and mint, it can be a substitute for a glass of wine! If you're craving something sweet, and you've been good with all the previous recommendations, opt for fresh fruit, yogurt, or fresh cheese. And if you just can't resist, choose the more homemade option and share it!
- And as a final recommendation, whenever possible, go for a walk after eating; it'll help burn calories and improve digestion. When the opportunity allows, dancing is a great and fun option.
But a day is a day and you have to enjoy it without thinking about calories.
THE NEXT DAY
What do we recommend after overindulging? Cooldo to the rescue! We recommend replacing a lunch or dinner with a good bowl of bone broth. Besides giving your digestive system a break, it'll fill you up and feel great. A great way to incorporate bone broth in the summer is through creams.
Remember that all month long , we're giving you the COLD CREAM RECIPE BOOK with your purchases. The cookbook includes fresh, simple, and delicious recipes using bone broth to add extra nutrients and flavor to your summer.
You should also listen to your body and eat only if you're hungry because the best thing—even at lunch or dinner time—is to give your digestive system a break. If you went out to dinner and wake up not hungry, you can choose to skip breakfast. If you went out to eat and aren't hungry, you can choose to skip dinner.
We hope these tips help you and that Cooldo continues to be your ally in taking care of you this vacation.
