Healthy Summer Eating in Israel

I am so excited for this summer. As school let’s out this week, I know that my kids are excited as well. The key to emphasizing the fun and ease we want to feel during summer vacation within maintaining our healthy lifestyle relies on three factors. We need to take the excitement and feelings of relaxation we love about summer and use them to create a sense of patience and serenity; even when we still have to work, our kids are in camp, and the Israel August experience looms, the most stressful yet enjoyable part of summer.

The Carmel market in Tel Aviv (photo courtesy Lily Aronin)

How do we turn that summer lovin’ into happy gasoline? Firstly, we make shopping a pleasure. If you shop online all year long and dread the long lines and airless super stores, make summer about your local  open market. Throughout the country, here in Israel, are farm box deliveries, local farmer’s markets and happenings at least every Friday. In the general Modiin area there are three every Friday morning, in the Yesh pro center, in Reut and Kfar Ruth.  If you live in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem areas your options are even greater. Shopping with your family can be a fun experience and a great way to introduce healthy natural food to your kids in a colorful and tasty way. It is also the best way to inspire yourself to make light summer dishes that are quick and easy.

Grilled Vegetable Salad with vegetables fresh from the Shuk.

Fresh food is delicious cooked in the simplest and quickest of ways. This makes it perfect for summer vacation.  When we want to spend our time in the parks, on the beaches or lounging with friends after work, and not slaving away at a stove.  The best technique to cook your food out doors is a gas grill. You can easily marinate summer vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, corn on the cob, bell peppers, green onion and romaine hearts in lemon juice, salt, dried thyme, pepper and olive oil to compliment any protein. Grilling is a fun way to enjoy the fine weather, keep the house clean and prepare meals in under 20 minutes.

The balance of fresh food and quick cooking can make summer vacation and healthy eating a simple no fuss feat. The final piece of the patience and calm summer mindset is preparation. Invest in some easy outdoor toys, like sidewalk chalk, a skip it, jump rope, new balls or skates to help keep everyone entertained and away from the glowing screens. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen and watch your family feel at peace when everyone is getting the healthy Vitamin D, vitamin sunshine. It improves mood, metabolism and is critical for great summer health.

Enjoy the last week of school and the onset of Summer Vacation and if you are ever at a loss for a meal, check out my new healthy meal delivery service Lily’s Kitchen on facebook.