6 Summertime Snacks (That Are Actually Good for You)
When the sun is beaming down on your back and you’re in between meals, let’s face it. You’re gonna wanna snack. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. The problem with snacking is not so much that you want to do it (or even that you do it); it’s the fact that if you’re eating things like chips, cakes and cookies, it’s not going to do much for your health or your waistline.
What you need to do is choose the kind of foods that are low in calories, high in nutrition and can actually make you feel better during the summer rather than sluggish and heavy.
Good news. There are several summertime snacks that can pull off all of these things. (Pretty cool!)
1. Yogurt popsicles
If you love (LOVE, LOVE) ice cream, try yogurt as an alternative. It has less calories and is so much better for you. Studies show that you can eat 18 ounces a day of it and lose a full jean size in no time! Yogurt is also loaded with plenty of protein, can help to keep your abs nice and tight and has a good supply of calcium and Vitamin D. Ice cream can’t even begin to promise you this much, so how about a yogurt popsicle instead of an ice cream sundae? Get a great yogurt breakfast popsicle recipe here.
2. Juice cubes
Juice cubes are just what they sound like. Rather than pouring water into your plastic ice cube maker, pour some juice or water with fresh fruit in it instead. It’s like having tiny popsicles to snack on. And, if you have company coming over, the cubes will look really appetizing in in glasses of sparkling water or fresh-squeezed lemonade or limeade.
3. Fruit kebabs
Fruit kebabs are delicious and ridiculously easy to make. Just pick 3-4 of your favorite (in season) summer fruits, slice them and put them on a stick. You can eat them as-is or even put them on the grille for a few seconds. If you want a list of the fruits that are in season during the summertime, click here.
4. Cold cucumber soup
Ever wonder what the health benefits of cucumbers are? The list is pretty long! Cucumbers are made of over 70 percent water. That makes them a food that keeps you hydrated. Cucumbers have Vitamins A, B and C in them; that way, your immune system stays in check. They also contain magnesium, potassium and silicon---all of which can help your skin to have that lovely summer glow. And they contain the mineral silica. It’s what helps to keep your hair shiny and your nails strong. To top it all off, it’s a low-calorie food too! If you’re fond of soup, you don’t have to go without it during summer. Try some cold cucumber soup. It’s really good to your taste buds as much as it is for your body. (Here's a recipe for it.)
5. Hummus
Let’s begin with this. What exactly is hummus? It’s a Middle Eastern dip that contains ingredients like chickpeas, garlic and olive oil. It’s the combination of these things that make it such a delightful summer snack. Hummus is high in fiber, protein and calcium. Studies reveal that it can help to alleviate anemia, fight cancer and lower your cholesterol. Just spread some over a cracker or whole grain bread or dip it into some carrot or celery sticks. It will fill you up without filling you out.
6. Frozen fruit
Pretty much all FRESH FRUIT is good for you. That’s why this makes our list. A summer snack that you and your kids will like are frozen grapes. Separate them, put them in the freezer and voila! Tasty, fun and low in calories. The health benefits of grapes include containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep your immune system healthy and your joints and muscles in good condition. Sounds good to us! Enjoy snacking this summer!
