I know many people, myself included, who work to get a beach body leading up to summer and then throw it all away by pigging out on picnic foods. Don’t get me wrong, I love good picnic food. But when you’re trying to maintain a healthy physique you’ll definitely want to watch the types of foods you’re consuming all summer long. Snack light and you will keep those flat abs and toned arms. So what are some good snacks to munch on this summer? And what can you pack when you’re hitting the beach to avoid those tempting concession stands?   Let’s talk about a few options.

Summer is here and it is time to break out the grill.  One of my favorite parts of hot summer weather is barbecues.  There is just something about thick, juicy steaks sizzling on the grill that makes me happy. There are many things besides meat that can be prepared on the grill.  I love grilling vegetables on the grill but it can be challenging at times.  Smaller vegetables can often slip through the grill into the fire below if you aren't careful. One way I have found to make grilling vegetables easier is to grill them in a pocket of foil.

Summer is my favorite time of the year and as the Iowa weather grows warmer, I look forward to planting my garden. There is nothing better than fresh veggies from my own backyard! We also happen to have the luxury of our own apple and pear tree that produces fruit in late summer through early fall. I absolutely love a huge garden salad with all of the fruits and vegetables that grow in our backyard. When I grow my own food somehow it seems tastier and I have more appreciation for it.