Summertime
Summer is a time full of get togethers with friends and family, vacations, and lots of fun in the sun! However, with all the summertime barbecue’s and festivities, it can be hard to resist all the calorie-laden treats. Luckily, we have a list of delicious and healthy summer snacks that will have you feeling your best all summer long!
Healthy Summer Snacks
1. Fruit
You can’t go wrong with fruit, especially when it is fresh and in season from your local farmer’s market. While a handful of blueberries and slice of watermelon are delicious are their own, you can spice up your fruit snacks to make the more fun and enjoyable. You can blend your seasonal favorites into a smoothie, blend and freeze them to make fruit popsicles, freeze them whole for a refreshing bite, or slice them up and create fruit kabobs! The options are endless.
2. Vegetables
Nothing is quite as refreshing as fresh, crispy vegetables. Whether it is celery, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers, slice up your favorite vegetable and pair it with homemade hummus or a Greek yogurt dip. Fresh veggies with a healthy dip is also a crowd pleaser at summer get togethers and events!
3. Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, potassium, protein, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12, and it is packed with probiotics, healthy fats, and protein. It is also very versatile and refreshing, making it the perfect summer snack. Mix in some fresh fruit, use it as the base for healthy dips or salad dressings, or even freeze it to make delicious Greek yogurt popsicles.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein, contains sufficient amounts of all nine essential amino acids, and is full of various antioxidants. It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin E. Next time you make quinoa for dinner, make extra to store in the fridge. Leftover quinoa is a perfect filling, summer snack. Heat it up and eat in plain, leave it cold and mix in some parsley and lemon juice, or mix in your favorite greens and make a quinoa salad. This quinoa salad recipe makes the perfect side dish for potlucks or parties!
5. Popcorn
Yes, it is true! Popcorn is actually good for you when it’s not smothered in butter and salt. As stated by Erika Horowitz, RDN, air-popped popcorn is a caloric bargain at just 30 calories per cup. It also contains the antioxidant polyphenol, which neutralizes harmful free radicals and is believed to help . If you are looking for the perfect snack for the kids, are having a family movie night, or just feeling munchy, this light snack is an excellent choice!
For more healthy snack ideas, visit Health.com!
