By Courtney Wright
It’s hot outside. Dogs are barking. Air conditioners are rattling away at top speed and lowest temperature. There are a lot of children running around, screaming and laughing. It’s louder than usual in most neighbourhoods this year. Unless you are cottage or trailer bound, your vacation plans have likely gone up in Corona fueled smoke.
So what do you do now? Now is the time to get out there on to your balcony or out into your yard to enjoy this sun and (sweltering) but beautiful weather! As a fantastic added bonus, you will save money AND your diet while you’re at it!
I know a staycation (the word us non vacationing shlubs made up to make ourselves feel better about being townies all year ‘round) is not the same as glorious tropical nights and swim up bar filled days, but you can still have food that feels like cheats and drinks that will cool you down and make you turn the music up.
Treat yourself!
The grill is your obvious go to for all your vacation food needs. There is no meat that is not made even more delicious with a little bbq char. Think of adding a nice spicy rub to your meats and fish. If you don’t have a bbq, invest in a grill pan for the stovetop or a countertop electric grill, and you will still get great results.
Summer is the perfect time to splurge on quality seafood, if that’s your bag. Boil up some crab legs and lobster, or throw some big ol’ shrimps on the barbie! Add a little fresh lemon and some salty melted butter, and your meal is complete. If you’re a little more adventurous, look into making a ceviche. It’s super basic, refreshing, light to eat and definitely not a home town staple in these parts.
Your little splurges here are nothing compared to what you would have spent, right? So buy that quality, fresh seafood, that prime cut beef and free range chicken!
Don’t forget your keto friendly veggies that are fantastic summer bbq companions:
- asparagus
- bell peppers
- onions
- zucchini
- eggplant
- artichokes
- mushrooms
These are all fantastic options to grill or saute with a little avocado oil for that extra bit of added fat. Top with a dash of sea salt and a little squeeze of citrus for a fresh, clean taste or add virtually any of your favourite spices to the oil to snazz up your dish. Spices unlock the door to virtually anywhere in the world. They are a wonderful way to experiment in your cooking without spending a lot and risking too much disappointment or waste.
Fancy drinks…with less regret
Nothing beats floating in a cold pool on a hot day, drink in hand. Vacations are where you venture out of your norm and have the fancy drinks. Crushed ice, little umbrellas and loads of sugar from the premade slush machines used to make life easier for the bartender. Unfortunately, making the hangover even more unbearable for you.
It’s time to step up and make your vacation drinks grown up style. A little time and effort and you will have delicious, keto friendly cocktails in hand.
Some of my favourite drink ingredients to have on hand include:
- Ice
- Tequila/vodka/whiskey/rum
- Fresh lemons & limes
- Unsweetened coconut milk and/or water
- Strawberry and/or raspberry puree
- Kosher salt
- Dry red & white wine
- Mixed berries (frozen & fresh)
- zero calorie water enhancers
- Fresh mint
- Soda water (various flavours)
There is a lot you can do with these ingredients to make you feel like, even if it’s just for a brief moment, you have been whisked away to a tropical paradise. Jump in your pool (if you are lucky enough to have one), pull out the sprinklers, baby pools or dust off the ol’ slip n’ slide to keep cool. Do the best with what you have and you will be surprised just how wonderful the summer can actually be, backyard bound, with your family and friends or yourself, dranks and a good book.
Cheers, friends! Be safe & be kind! Xo
Keto Delicious Skinny Margarita
Serves 4 (or 1 no judgement!)
- Skip the triple sec! It is 11g of carbs per 1 oz. Let the tequila and the limes be the star of this simple skinny margarita!
- 6 oz of blanco tequila
- 3 oz fresh lime juice (about 5 squishy limes)
- 2-3 tbsp powdered sugar substitute of choice (add if needed to your desired sweetness level. For the love of all things delicious, DO NOT use stevia!).
- 1 oz orange flavoured soda water
- Sea salt
- Ice
Wizz up the tequila, sugar sub, lime juice & orange soda water in a blender with some ice to drink it slushy or use a shaker filled with ice and shake it until frosty. Pour into a frosted glass rimmed with a little sea salt.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information per serving (4): 148 cal, 0g fat, 1.9g carb, .13g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein, 1.7g NET carb (all from the lime juice)!
Courtney Wright is a life-long Burlington resident who dabbles in writing, photography and runs Keto Delicious (ketodelicious.ca).
She is just a simple girl making keto comfort food and trying to change the world one keto convert at a time. She is not a healthcare professional.
It is recommended that you talk to your doctor before starting the keto, or any other diet.
