Seasonal Eating for Summer Fun

BY CHRISTY BARONI • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Aaaaah summer! We’ve been waiting for warmer days, sunny skies, and enjoying all the island has to offer. Summer is a time that I find myself being so grateful every day for the beauty of this island home. With all that we welcome of this wonderful season, summer gives us unique challenges and benefits when it comes to our health and wellness.

Due to the increased temperatures and our proclivity to be outside more, there are a few key tweaks we need to make to our wellness routines to stay in tip-top shape. We need to stay hydrated, to get enough rest, and to counter our vices with habits that help us recover and stay balanced. We know that summer means more time being sweaty, which makes hydration a more important factor in our day. And oftentimes drinking water is not enough. We need the water but we need the electrolytes and micronutrients as well that help that water do its job internally. The best way to accomplish this is to eat your hydration! Mother Nature packs seasonal foods with exactly what we need to retain hydration in the right amount. Try one of these summer salads that are packed with fun flavors AND hydration-rich foods.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ingredients:

1 pound watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup chopped mint

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, mint, and red onion.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

4. Serve immediately.

Things like alcohol, coffee, and other caffeine heavy beverages can work against your hydration goals as well. Consider switching up some of these beverage choices with a drink that will help you retain hydration, improve gut health, and give you a burst of energy without the negative side effects.

Honey Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.

2. Add the ginger and honey and reduce the heat to low.

3. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and let steep for 10 minutes.

4. Strain the tea and enjoy!

You can also add other ingredients to your honey ginger tea, such as lemon, cinnamon, or cloves to change up the flavor.

Cucumber and Mint Salad

Ingredients:

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced

1/2 cup chopped mint

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers and mint.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

4. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your summer and enjoy feeling great by staying well throughout the hot and sunny days!

Christy Baroni is a Nutrition Specialist and certified Personal Trainer. She is a military spouse, a mother of two, and is dedicated to helping people cultivate the daily habits to build the body and life of their dreams. For more healthy living ideas or to create your own fitness and nutrition plan contact her today at 843-290-5803 or ChristyBaroni@gmail.com.

Celebrating 34 Years!

Hilton Head’s “Little Italy” New York/New

Jersey

Italian Cuisine

Family owned since 1989

Early Dining Special $23.95

• Gluten Free Menu

• Children’s menu

Curbside Takeaway and Carryout Available!

15 Executive Park Drive (off Pope Avenue)

Serving from 5 - 9 pm

• 843.785.7006

• Monday - Saturday

Nightly live music, daily Happy Hour (4-6 p.m.) and seasonal children’s activities offer a fun, casual atmosphere perfect for the entire family – full schedule at events.saltydog.com. Be sure to grab a scoop of homemade ice cream at Salty Dog Ice Cream during your visit! Open at 8 a.m. daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (843) 671-2233 or visit saltydog.com to plan your South Beach experience.

The Sandbar

Located at 101 Pope Avenue in historic Coligny Plaza just steps away from Coligny Beach. The Sandbar always has something delicious cooking. With its beach inspired decor, comfortable seating and laid back atmosphere, they are serving up signature dishes such as Hurricane Shrimp, Jamaican Jerk Tacos and Parmesan Crusted Grouper. The Sandbar is a great place for families and friends to enjoy the outdoor bar and patio and share amazing foods and drinks. Children will also feel welcome with their own menu and special children’s table. Call (843) 342-SAND (7263) or visit us online at www.sandbarhhi.com.

SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE

Located in Shelter Cove Harbour, San Miguel’s has been serving the island’s freshest Mexican food for over 40 years! Dine inside or outside while enjoying beautiful views of the harbor. Burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, salads, award winning Margaritas and a full bar make San Miguel’s a great place for everyone. Kid’s menu available. Serving lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Happy Hour at both the indoor and outdoor bars from 4-6 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. until. Call (843) 842-4555.

Santa Fe Caf

Located at 807 William Hilton Parkway near the entrance to Palmetto Dunes. Our elegant yet casual, cozy atmosphere captures the spirit of New Mexico. Innovative southwestern cuisine features dinner favorites such as Tortilla Crusted Salmon, Wood Roasted Quail, Grouper, 30 oz. Ribeye and many more great selections including vegetarian items. Excellent wine list, imported beers and full bar. Take-out available. Reservations are “gladly” accepted. Open for dinner Tuesday thru Saturday from 5 until 9 p.m. Call (843) 785-3838 or www.santafehhi.com.

Skillets Cafe

Located just off the beach in Coligny Plaza. An excellent choice for the whole family since 1994. Wonderful selections including burgers, jambalaya, grilled, broiled and fried seafood and build your own pasta dishes or our extensive salad bar. Gluten Free menu as well as vegan dishes available. Full bar and wine list available. Kids menu and take-out. Dine inside or on the patio (Dog Friendly). Open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 785-3131 or check us out online at www.skilletscafe.com.

Stellini Italian Restaurant

Located at 15 Executive Park Dr., just off Pope Avenue. Celebrating 33 years! Voted the Island’s best Italian restaurant, Stellini features popular menu items from the Little Italy section of New York and northern New Jersey. Choose from items such as Clams Casino, Veal Saltimbocca, Zuppa di Pesce, Osso Buco, Lasagna and more. Chefs specialties created nightly. Extensive wine list, Early Bird specials, children’s menu and take-out available. Serving dinner Monday thru Saturday from 5 p.m. Call (843) 785-7006 for reservations.

Street Meet

Located in Port Royal Plaza. This Family Tavern & Restaurant is HHI’s Ohio Bar and Home of the HHI Browns Backers. Kitchen serving food from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. 7 days/week. Offering a wide range of homemade, from scratch American food at reasonable prices and have been voted Island’s Best Wings, Best Fish and Chips, Best Burger and Best Hotdog (“Hofmann from Syracuse, NY). Featuring a complete Healthy Menu that includes GlutenFree, Paleo, & Vegetarian options plus more. Full bar with daily drink specials and happy hour as well as indoor & outdoor seating plus a new dining room that is great for large parties or groups. Kids pay what they weigh on Saturday! Call (843) 8422570 or online at www.streetmeethhi.com.

Sunset Grille

Located on the Intracoastal Waterway at Hilton Head Harbor, 43 Jenkins Rd. The Grille offers a casual fine dining experience with breathtaking sunset views. The creative menu features house specialties such as Hugh’s famous hot smoked salmon, shrimp & grits, grilled sea scallops & braised lamb shank all prepared to perfection. An extensive wine list, craft beer selection and full bar available. Call (843) 689-6744 for reservations or visit sunsetgrillehhi.com. Dinner is served Tues.-Sat. 6 p.m. until.

Truffles Cafe

Located in Sea Pines Center and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Enjoying our 40th year of offering casual upscale dining in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Our menu features fresh seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups, fresh and flavorful entree salads, house ground burgers, delicious pasta, and amazing homemade desserts. Outside seating is available at both locations. Full bar and fine wines by the glass or bottle. Private dining available for 6 to 100 people. Serving lunch

Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Dinner 7 days a week 5 p.m. -

9:30 p.m. on Hilton Head. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week

11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. in Bluffton. Call (843) 671-6136 (Sea Pines) or (843) 815-5551 (Bluffton) or go to www.trufflescafe.com to make reservations.

The Wreck Of The Salty Dog

Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Sit back and relax on The Wreck’s spacious waterfront decks. Enjoy a full bar and Key West themed food menu featuring Key Lime Ceviche and Peel and Eat Shrimp. Seasonal live music includes family-friendly dueling pianos – visit events.saltydog.com for details. The Wreck is perfect for private parties. (843) 671-7327 or email events@saltydog.com.