Summer is ideal time to improve diet

Warmer months make it easier to eat healthier because of all the produce, but summer is also the ideal times to improve eating habits, a U.S. dietitian says. "A barbecue is a great excuse to try new recipes and spice up the healthy foods that we try to incorporate into our diets all year round," Judy Prince and Nancy Addison, both registered dietitians, at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, said in a statement. "Every season offers us new ways to improve our diets, and the summer is no exception. By making a few slight changes to your cooking routine by adding seasonal vegetables and fruits, the summertime can become an ideal time to make lasting healthy changes, lose weight and keep it off." Prince and Addison suggested: - Ditch the beef and try bison or vegetarian burgers, which can have up to seven times more saturated fat than bison meat. - Avoid using mayonnaise on salads. Use mustard or low-fat plain yogurt in place of mayonnaise in potato or pasta salads. - Add non-alcoholic options to your beverage selection. - Make seasonal vegetables the focus of your meal. - Grilling is a great way to add flavor while reducing fat and calories. Try wrapping fish or chicken in foil and add vegetables and seasonings to the grill. - Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruit, which is fat-free, high in nutrients and fiber, and a natural energizer.