Now that the summer is in full swing, it’s a perfect time to add low fat, nutritious, great-tasting fruits and vegetables to your diet. You can find them in your local supermarkets, farms and roadside stands, or even in your backyard or a window box, if you choose to plant your own. And, as the season progresses, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

First, a quick note on growing your own vegetables and fruits. It doesn’t mean that you’ll have to spend hours planting, watering, and weeding, or that even you need a backyard. A couple of tomato or other vegetable plants in a pot on your patio or in a window box can give you weeks of fresh veggies to add to your meals. And, they require little more work than regular watering and plenty of sun. There’s a wealth of information on the Web about growing vegetables and fruits in small spaces.

No matter how you get them, fresh summer fruits and vegetable can bring delicious, healthy options to your meals and snacks. Reach for a piece of fruit to satisfy that sweet tooth, or add a side of fresh vegetables to your regular meals. Here are a few suggestions:

• Bite-sized pieces of watermelon or cantaloupe stored in a container in the refrigerator stay fresh and provide a quick, easy snack.
• Cut up a fresh tomato and cucumber and add your favorite low-fat salad dressing or some low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt for a tasty salad.
• Start with some fresh string beans or yellow beans, add water, pop in the microwave for 2 or 3 minutes, then add a teaspoon of margarine or butter when done for a delicious side for your meal. (You can do the same with yellow squash or zucchini).
• Combine fresh peaches, strawberries, cherries, and raspberries for a great fruit salad.

Those are just some suggestions, and I hope you’ll come back to visit and share some of your recipes and ideas.

Remember, if you are on a special diet because of an ongoing health condition, be sure to check with your physician to find out if there are any restrictions on the amount or type of vegetables or fruits you can eat.