DIFFERENT_NATA/ISTOCK
Before I tried TOPS 28-Day Meal Planner earlier this year, I was a little unsure how I would manage the suggested servings of fruit for each day. Prior to the plan, I’d typically have fruit as part of breakfast and maybe as a snack here and there, but that was about it. The plan suggests around four servings of fruit a day. While this may seem like a lot, if you’re enjoying fruit in place of sugary snacks or as part of fresh seasonal salads, it’s pretty easy (and fun!) to get your fruit on. Try one of these tips for your summer festivities.
Chill out with melon soup. When you think summer, you probably don’t think soup. And when you think soup, you probably don’t think fruit. But this recipe for chilled melon soup bends those rules and makes for a delicious cool dish.
Feel fancy with watermelon kabobs. Thread watermelon, mozzarella and basil on toothpicks or wooden skewers for a Pinterest-worthy kebab appetizer that’s almost too pretty to eat … almost.
Mix savory and sweet in a salad. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a burger or hot dog on the grill, but why not mix things up a little this year with a delicious summer salad? Try tossing romaine lettuce, watercress, chunks of fresh mango, avocado and grilled chicken with a light and citrus-y dressing. Feeling extra festive? You may even want to try grilling the mango. Simply brush thick mango chunks or slices with olive oil, and place on a preheated grill. Char slightly, then spritz with lime juice and chili powder for an extra kick.
Keep it simple with strawberry shortcake. Enjoy this summertime classic and don’t be afraid to add other fruits like kiwi, peaches, blueberries or sliced banana. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with a tasty trio of fresh fruit, light whipped topping and angel food cake.
Do you have a favorite way to prepare fruit in the summer? Tell me about it in the comments section!
By Helen LoBosco July 3, 2019
Have been member of TOPS for years. Like the information TOPS gets from professionals and shares with us.
By Patricia Ahern July 3, 2019
This is always a good reminder to eat some fruit the forgotten healthy food. I give a lot of accolades to veg. But forget fruit , mostly a savory girl not sweet as fruit tends to be. Thanks for the reminder.
By E Mannhardt July 3, 2019
Oh boy! All the fresh fruit of summertime. 🙂 Got blueberries, rinsed them and enjoyed them immensely, for breakfast this morning. One of my favorite summertime ways to do fruit is to use banana on a piece of bread (I like the Ezekiel bread from the frozen food section, or whatever bread you like to eat), and put on a thin layer of almond butter (or if preferred, use another nut butter). On top of that, you add slices of a banana. Optional, drizzle a tad of honey on the nut butter. Fold it in half and enjoy.
I am also looking forward to other TOPS posts on this subject! 🙂
By Pauline D Lima/Chapter #16 Tiverton, RI June 13, 2020
Try the WOW butter which is made from soybeans. Find it near the peanut butter and other nut butters. Has a great taste!
By Robin O July 3, 2019
One of my favorite ways to prepare fruit is in Mini Pineapple “Pizzas”:
Slice a pineapple into rounds, then grill those circles (3 minutes per side). Put the grilled pineapple rounds on a baking sheet and top them with shredded cheese and sliced olives. Broil them for 2-3 minutes. Healthy and delicious.
Happy Independence Day!
By Wanda Jewett July 3, 2019
Wanda
By Arlene F. Clayton July 18, 2019
I enjoy year round fresh shortcake with small sponge cakes, fresh fruit on top and to add more taste to the already delicious dish, top with fruit flavored low fat yogurt, a few nuts or some coconut shreds. Delightful, refreshing and low in calories and carbs.