--- title: "Get Cooking This Summer: Promoting Healthy Aging with Seasonal Recipes" description: Origin Active Lifestyle Communities is sharing some of our favourite summer recipes full of seasonal local produce. image: https://blog.originway.ca/hubfs/Origin%20Summer%20Produce.jpg --- [![Origin Active Lifestyle Communities Logo](https://blog.originway.ca/hubfs/August2017/Images/Logo-Copy.png) ![Origin Active Lifestyle Communities Logo](https://blog.originway.ca/hubfs/August2017/Images/origin_logo-copy-v2.png)](https://www.originway.ca/) Menu   [Find Your Community](https://www.originway.ca/communities) [Start Your Career](https://www.originway.ca/senior-living-careers) Give Us a Call Close X - [Origin at Longwood    250-751-7755](tel://1-250-751-7755) - [Origin at Spring Creek    403-678-2288](tel://1-403-678-2288) - [Swan Evergreen Village    587-481-6638](tel://1-587-481-6638) - [Whitehorn Village    403-271-2277](tel://1-403-271-2277) - [Origin Polska    +48 (22) 279 4900](tel://48-22-279-4900) - [Origin at Longwood    250-751-7755](tel://1-250-751-7755) - [Origin at Spring Creek    403-678-2288](tel://1-403-678-2288) - [Swan Evergreen Village    587-481-6638](tel://1-587-481-6638) - [Whitehorn Village    403-271-2277](tel://1-403-271-2277) - [Origin Polska    +48 (22) 279 4900](tel://48-22-279-4900) - [Discover Origin We want to show who we are](https://www.originway.ca/discover-origin-active-lifestyle-communities) - [Careers Make a difference](https://www.originway.ca/senior-living-careers) - [Communities See where we serve](https://www.originway.ca/communities) - [Why Active Living? 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[Origin Active Lifestyle Communities](https://www.originway.ca/) took the hard work out for you and shared our favourite summer recipes full of seasonal local produce. Whether you’re BBQing with family or hosting a patio drink with friends, these three recipes will be all the craze this summer. Plus, their ingredients are full of benefits to promote healthy aging and active living! We embrace the [beauty of food](https://www.originway.ca/the-beauty-of-food) at our communities. We believe in creating nutrient-dense meals and proudly support local farmers, using their fresh produce in our dishes. ## **1. Sweet Herb-Grilled Corn on The Cob** Nothing screams Canadian summer more than fresh corn on the cob. Whether you’re looking for [sweet](https://www.bcfarmfresh.com/farm-products/corn-sweet/) or [ornamental](https://www.bcfarmfresh.com/farm-products/corn-ornamental/) corn, BC farms have you covered.  In fact, [corn](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/96-325-x/2014001/article/11913-eng.htm) is Canada’s third most valuable crop, and it’s a guilt-free seasonal treat. “A medium-sized ear of corn clocks in at only about 77 calories… And although it tastes sweet, an ear of corn has only about three grams of sugar, compared to an apple's 19. Bonus: Corn is a good source of protein and fiber, which keeps you feeling satiated ([huffingtonpost.ca](https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/lifetime-daily/corn-healthy-food_a_23019383/)).”  Corn [has also been shown](https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/lifetime-daily/corn-healthy-food_a_23019383/) to promote colon health, prevent eye diseases and certain cancers, and protect against cardiovascular disease. This year we’re trying something different. A spin to the classic corn on the BBQ, we recommend trying [The Food Network](https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/herb-grilled-corn-on-the-cob/10065/)’s sweet corn on the cob dusted with cheese and herbs!  ## **2. Strawberry Rhubarb Coconut Maple Crisp** Starting in May, strawberries and rhubarb are in season in Canada. The perfect time to try out some easy to prepare crowd-pleasing desserts!  Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a well-known immunity booster, as well as a powerful, fast-working antioxidant that can [help with cancer prevention](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/list/strawberry-health-benefits/). “Researchers at the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center in Toronto studied the benefits of strawberries on a cholesterol-lowering diet and concluded that adding them to the diet reduced oxidative damage, as well as blood lipids — both of which play a role in heart disease and diabetes ([besthealthmag.ca](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/list/strawberry-health-benefits/)).”  What’s amazing about rhubarb is its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that protect you from heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. While you’re enjoying this delicious Canadian-inspired dessert, you can rest easy knowing you’re doing great things for your health.  Check out the recipe from [Food Bloggers of Canada](https://www.foodbloggersofcanada.com/rhubarb-strawberry-coconut-maple-crisp/) to get started! ## **3. Watermelon Cucumber Feta Mint Skewers** Last but not least, a refreshing side dish with mind-blowing flavour. If it’s too hot for a BBQ at the cabin, this dish might just be the best twist on a salad. Combining fresh mint, salty feta, and refreshing watermelon and cucumber, everybody will be falling in love with these zero-cook time skewers.  With age, our body’s [ability to conserve water](https://blog.originway.ca/importance-of-staying-hydrated) is reduced, and the feeling of thirst becomes less prominent. The risk of dehydration is even greater during the summer months when temperatures are high, and the sun is shining. Watermelon is the perfect snack to combat this, as it has a high water content to keep you full and hydrated.  Beyond hydration, watermelon is low in calories, and [one cup of watermelon contains](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/watermelon-health-benefits): - 21% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of **Vitamin C** - 18% of RDI of **Vitamin A** - 5% of RDI of **Potassium** - 4% of RDI of **Magnesium** - 3% of RDI of **Vitamins B1, B5, and B6** While used as an added flavour in this recipe, “mint’s health benefits range from improving brain function and digestive symptoms to… cold symptoms and even bad breath ([healthline.com](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4)).” Click here to check out the watermelon cucumber feta mint skewers recipe from [Weight Watchers Canada](https://www.weightwatchers.com/ca/en/recipe/watermelon-cucumber-skewers-feta-mint/5d517eb019dea600434178ef). ## **Discover Origin’s Approach to Food** We believe an exceptional dish starts from the ground up. At Origin, we take nutrition and health very seriously, and our cuisine matches that. Our meals are made with nutrition, and our community members’ taste buds, in mind. ### It is one thing to discuss how healthy and tasty our recipes are; it is an entirely different experience to enjoy it for yourself. [**Come and enjoy a unique dining experience with us**](https://www.originway.ca/come-dine-with-us) **and experience the Origin Way!** Topics: [Health & Nutrition](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/health-nutrition) ### Written by [Origin Active Lifestyle Communities](https://blog.originway.ca/author/the-origin-team) #### **About Origin Active Lifestyle Blog** Origin’s only business is caring for seniors. We design, develop, and operate innovative, industry-leading, active lifestyle communities across Canada. Through our blog, we hope to share content and resources for aging adults and their families that are interested in active living and senior living resources.  ### Recent Posts ### Topics - [Active Aging (39)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/active-aging) - [Health & Nutrition (35)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/health-nutrition) - [Social Wellness (34)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/social-wellness) - [Health and Wellness (21)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/health-and-wellness) - [Independent Living (16)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/independent-living) - [Senior Care (16)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/senior-care) - [Caregiving (7)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/caregiving) - [Community Member Spotlight (7)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/community-member-spotlight) - [Budgeting & Finances (6)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/budgeting-finances) - [Technology (6)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/technology) - [Memory Care (5)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/memory-care) - [Origin Communities (4)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/origin-communities) - [Alzheimer's & Dementia (3)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/alzheimers-dementia) - [Statistics (3)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/statistics) - [Chef Spotlight (2)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/chef-spotlight) - [Soul Café (2)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/soul-café) - [gardening (2)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/gardening) - [Featured (1)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/featured) - [Guest Interview (1)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/guest-interview) - [Origin Living Green (1)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/origin-living-green) See all ## Related Posts [Nutrition for Seniors: Eating Well for a Healthier Life](https://blog.originway.ca/nutrition-for-seniors-eating-well-for-a-healthier-life) ![Nutrition for Seniors: Eating Well for a Healthier Life](https://blog.originway.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Origin%20Way%20-%20Health%20Food%20Blog.png?width=500&height=300&name=Origin%20Way%20-%20Health%20Food%20Blog.png) [Preparing for Fall: How Origin Senior Communities Help Seniors Stay Active and Healthy](https://blog.originway.ca/preparing-for-fall-how-origin-senior-communities-help-seniors-stay-active-and-healthy) ![Preparing for Fall: How Origin Senior Communities Help Seniors Stay Active and Healthy](https://blog.originway.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock_27723823_XLARGE.jpg?width=500&height=300&name=iStock_27723823_XLARGE.jpg) [Nutrition Secrets for Senior Health](https://blog.originway.ca/nutrition-secrets-for-senior-health) ![Nutrition Secrets for Senior Health](https://blog.originway.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Senior%20Nutrition%201.png?width=500&height=300&name=Senior%20Nutrition%201.png) [![Origin Way Home Page](https://blog.originway.ca/hubfs/August2017/Images/Logo-Copy.png)](https://www.originway.ca/) [Contact Us](https://www.originway.ca/contact-an-origin-active-lifestyle-community) [FAQ](https://www.originway.ca/frequently-asked-questions) [Find Your Community](https://www.originway.ca/communities) Uncover your local Origin Active Lifestyle community - and discover a new way of life. 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