Some of the simplest yet most sublime low-fat desserts begin with fresh seasonal fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Visit your local farmers' market or better still, bring the kids and pick your own.
When the temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, or worse, you last thing you want to do is cook. Even the idea of firing up the grill becomes less appealing. Plus, hot weather tends to curb the appetite, so steaming piles of food may not be what you're craving in any case. Keep things cool in the kitchen by preparing some easy, low-fat no-cook recipes to see you through the dog days of summer.
Shrimp, Artichoke and Edamame Salad © Fiona Haynes, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Make your own fresh salsa and you may never use the bottled variety again. It’s simple to prepare and of course it's fat free. Try a colorful Mango and Black Bean Salsa (pictured), some Peach Salsa or a basic Fresh Tomato Salsa. Experiment with your own fruity variations by using cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple or blueberries; use green onions or sweet onions instead of red; and vary the heat by using different kinds of chile peppers. Whether you eat your salsa with baked corn chips or use it to complement a main dish, your taste buds will thank you.
Mango and Black Bean Salsa Photo © Fiona Haynes, licensed to About.com
There's really no excuse for us not to get our daily quota of fruit during the summer months. I top my daily oatmeal with blueberries and some sliced banana. I like to grab a juicy peach or nectarine after my lunchtime sandwich or salad, and my favorite summer dessert is a bowl of berries topped with a dollop of tangy fat-free Greek yogurt. In between mealtimes on hot days, some chilled watermelon makes a refreshing snack.
Another great way to enjoy fruit in the summer is to make a delicious smoothie. Smoothies make a great breakfast alternative or a healthy, cooling treat on a summer's day. Here are some great ideas for summer smoothies.
Low Fat Smoothies
Strawberry Mango Smoothie © Fiona Haynes, licesned to About.com
Boost the nutritional value of muffins by substituting some of the flour with whole-wheat flour, and using a neutral-tasting oil instead of butter. This way, you add a little fiber and reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your muffins. Enjoy these low-fat lemon poppy seed muffins as a breakfast treat or enjoy one with afternoon tea.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins Photo © Fiona Haynes, licensed to About.com, Inc.
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