Echoes of Summer

Can you feel the shift? The days are steamy–yet the calendar is getting a bit crowded with commitments that pair better with the cooler days of autumn.

Today I’ll share some ideas on what to make for dinner when you don’t feel like cooking, how to hang on to these last glorious days of summer, and tips for staying grounded when your calendar feels like it’s taking over your life.

When It’s Too Hot (or Too Hectic) to Cook   

🍗 1. Rotisserie Chicken, Remixed

No shame in store-bought! Use it to:

• Make easy tacos with slaw and salsa
• Toss in a grain bowl with quinoa, cucumbers, and hummus
• Shred it into lettuce wraps or serve cold over salad

💡 Nutrition note: A great source of lean protein without prep time.

🥒 2. Mezze-Style Dinner Plate

Make it a Mediterranean-style picnic:

• Hummus, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, crackers, fruit, and sliced deli turkey or chicken.

🧺 Kid-friendly tip: Let everyone build their own plate—no complaints, less waste.

🥗 3. Big Salad + Protein

Think beyond lettuce:

• Add beans, tuna, grilled chicken, eggs, or tofu.
• Toss in nuts, seeds, and a zippy dressing.

🥬 Hydrating and customizable—perfect for picky eaters or quick prep.

🌮 4. Taco Night 

• Use canned beans or leftover protein.
• Add shredded cheese, avocado, lettuce, and salsa.
• Serve in tortillas or lettuce cups.

🔥 Pro tip: Add a corn and black bean salad on the side for extra fiber.

🍽️ 5. Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

When you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal—this one’s a winner. Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and hours later… dinner is done. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.

What to do:

• Add boneless beef chuck roast, dry Italian dressing seasoning, a jar of pepperoncinis, and a splash of broth or water to the crock pot.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, then shred.

Serve with:

• Whole grain buns or hoagie rolls
• A tossed green salad or slaw
• Optional: roasted potato wedges, chips, or cut veggies

🕓 Tip: Make extra for the next day’s lunch—or freeze a portion for an even easier dinner down the road.

🥪 Kid-friendly idea: Serve the shredded beef in slider buns with melted mozzarella or provolone.

Let Summer Linger 

• Eat outside—on the porch, balcony, or at the park
• Savor seasonal produce: peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, corn on the cob
• Slow down intentionally—try one evening a week with no plans
• Create a “summer still” list—a few things you still want to do (like watch a sunset at the beach, go barefoot, or host one more backyard barbecue, read a novel)

Stay Grounded

• Consistent sleep-wake times (as the earlier school schedules start creeping in)
• Mini-movement bursts: morning walk, evening stretch
• Breathwork or grounding: deep breathing, feet in grass
• Digital break: one evening without screens to calm the nervous system

Here’s to savoring summer until the crisp air of autumn nudges us along.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”– William Shakespeare