By Judy Dodd, MS, RN, LDN, Giant Eagle^® Corporate Nutritionist

Summer is a time to "lighten up" your meals and enjoy foods of the season. There is plenty of value in eating when you shop wisely and take advantage of Giant Eagle^® specials.

Now that the days are getting longer, you are likely to rise earlier (unless the kids are trying to sleep in) and eat later. Be careful from the nutrition side! Eating breakfast and regular meals are part of healthy eating and weight control. So be prepared, and try these ideas for summer eating:

• Try making brunch on days when the family either wakes up early to beat the heat or sleeps later. While you garden or exercise, you'll need extra energy, so it's a good time to feature eggs as the main protein. Your favorite egg casserole, French toast, frittata or omelets help to span the gap between breakfast and lunch. Add fresh fruit or your favorite bread and you have a great meal — with or without the side of meat!
• Honor your favorite dad for Father's Day. It's cookout season, and a good time for a barbeque. Let your Giant Eagle^® butcher help with your meat selection, and enjoy the season's best grilled, planked salmon. Kabobs also fit the bill when made with your choice of chicken, lamb, beef, pork or fish. Add grilled vegetables and fruit, including pineapple, bell pepper, onion (Vidalia is in) and zucchini — and some rustic bread — to complete your meal.
• Put main dish salads on your menu for dinner, and make enough for lunch the next day. Or, plan to prepare enough of your dinner protein choice to make into a salad the next day. Grilled salmon, tuna, chicken or beef are great toppings for a Caesar or green salad the next day. Small amounts can be chopped, combined with chopped celery and onions and mixed with cooked pasta and your favorite salad dressing.
• Stock your pantry with some quick salad add-ons. Canned beans (black, chick peas, pinto or kidney), water-packed tuna and chopped or slivered nuts are all proteins ready to be added to green salads. Olives, artichoke hearts, dried cranberries and nuts add a last-minute touch of class! While you are stocking your pantry, add some pasta or other grains that can be cooked, chilled with cold running water and then made into a salad. And don't forget the mayonnaise or salad dressing!
• Plan ahead for some easy "heat-and-eat" meals by making batches of chili, pulled pork, chicken barbeque or meatballs. The plan is to make enough for two to three meals and freeze extra portions. And think beyond the usual by adding chili as a topping for a taco salad. Meatballs can be added to pasta sauce, sandwiches or soup. Pulled pork or chicken barbeque can be made into sandwiches or used as stuffing for bell peppers or fresh tomatoes.
• Look for the Giant Eagle Advantage Card^® and in-store specials to help keep costs down and enjoy the freshness of the season. It's a way to save money and invest in nutrition.