Like warm temperatures and flip-flops, summer
wouldn’t be complete without enjoying berries. Whatever your favorites —
strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries — you’ll find
an abundant harvest of berry goodness from May to September. And best of all,
fiber-rich berries — just some of the fruits you can enjoy on Phase 2
— are a delicious source of disease-fighting antioxidants. Here are a
few tips on how to enjoy these delicious treats this summer.
Berry Basics
At the grocery store or farmers market, choose dry, plump, and brightly
colored berries with no obvious rotten spots. Avoid containers with juice
stains — this is a sign that the berries either have been battered or
are overripe. Also be on the lookout for moldy spots — mold travels
like wildfire through berries, so avoid containers with signs of this blue-gray
blight. After you've brought home your berries, store them unwashed in the
refrigerator in a covered container. Fresh berries don't last long and are best
used within a few days of purchase. Berries can also be stored in the freezer
for up to four months; just spread the berries out on a cookie tray and freeze
before consolidating into a smaller container.
Here are 5 fun ways to enjoy berries this summer:
- Prepare
a yogurt parfait, mixing in nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt or artificially
sweetened yogurt with berries of your choice.
- Add
grilled berries to a salad of grilled veggies and chicken. Serve over romaine
lettuce, mesclun, or spinach.
- Create
a strawberry-avocado salsa, and serve it as a topping for grilled chicken,
fish, or shrimp. Or, puree strawberries with a South Beach Diet–friendly
barbecue sauce and brush it on your favorite lean meat.
- Dip
strawberries in semisweet or bittersweet dark chocolate for a decadent dessert.
- Whip
up a refreshing summer smoothie with fat-free or low-fat milk, low-fat or
nonfat yogurt, and frozen mixed berries. Or, concoct a cool summer “sparkler”
using your favorite berry, lime juice, seltzer, and a sugar substitute.
See all South Beach Diet Tips.