Beach Body Meal Ideas

With summer comes trading bulky sweaters for tank tops and the traditional trips to the beach. Whether you let yourself go completely during the colder months, or you only have a few pounds to shed to be beach-ready, specific foods and meals can help you accomplish the beach body you dream of. The main guidelines to remember are to conduct your diet in moderation, to nourish your body with enough nutrients, and to not rely soely on diet to transform your body.

Skinless Grilled Chicken Breasts

• Chicken is a lean protein which is low in fat and very versitile for the dieter. Using a gas or charcoal grill, cook chicken over a medium to high flame. Cooking too long results in tough meat, so watch your chicken during cooking. You want the meat to be well browned and firm, but not hard. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered fully cooked. After finishing the chicken, marinate it with a teaspoon of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Cottage Cheese with Fruit

• Combine 1 cup cottage cheese with 1 cup of your favorite fresh fruit. This meal is great for a low calorie breakfast or snack.

Egg White Omellete with Vegetables

• Finely chop 1 cup of your favorite vegetables. Whisk together four egg whites and 1/4 cup non-fat milk in a bowl. Spray a frying pan with non-fat cooking spray and place over medium heat. Put the vegetables in first, allowing them to soften for about 6 minutes. Pour egg mixture into the pan and cook for another 6 minutes.

Rasberry Peach Smoothie

• Making a healthy, low carb smoothie can be a nice alternative to traditional breakfast foods. Simply combine 2 cups soy milk, ½ frozen unsweetened red raspberries, 1 cup low fat plain yogurt, 1 cup frozen unsweetened sliced peaches, ½ cup sugar-free sweetener, and 1 tsp. vanilla into a blender. Cover and blend until it reaches your desired consistency and serve immediately.