Whether you’re on summer break or stuck at work, there’s something about a hot sun and warm air that feels like freedom: the freedom to put responsibilities on hold and line up your summer weekends with pool parties, beach vacations, and time well spent with family and friends.
While I love this break from worry and to-do lists, one thing I’m not willing to take a break from is my commitment to my health and wellness goals. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be a challenge when you’re surrounded by friends and poolside snacks, but I’ve got some advice to help you make it through.
Check out these tips and tricks to help you do some healthy summer snacking this season.
Keep Things Fresh
Fresh fruits are some of the best low-calorie snacks out there, and summer is the perfect time to take advantage. Hit your grocery store’s produce aisle or your local farmers market and see for yourself the abundance of fresh fruits that are ripe this time of year.
By keeping your refrigerator well-stocked with fruit, you’ll always have a naturally sweet snack to reach for. Plus, fruit is a great food to bring along with you to any summer event!
Some of my favorite fruits — all at 100 calories or less per one cup serving — include blueberries, frozen grapes, cherries, mangoes, and watermelon. Grape tomatoes (technically a fruit!) are another delicious option and can be made into countless pico de gallo or salsa recipes.
Make It at Home
When it’s more than 80 degrees outside and sweat is dripping down your face, it’s a considerable feat to turn down the ice cream. You CAN do it successfully, though, as long as you’ve got a healthier alternative within reach.
As I’m sure you’ve heard before, making treats at home is an excellent way to enjoy your favorites while controlling their ingredients, which means a healthier version you can feel good about.
Give these homemade treats a try for healthy summer snacking:
- Popsicles. Simply choose your favorite drink (like AMPED™ Hydrate), pour it into a popsicle mold, freeze overnight, and enjoy!
- Ice cream. There are tons of alternative “nice cream” recipes just a Google search away, but my personal favorite is one for orange Hydrate creamsicles.
- Frozen coffee. For those who don’t have as much of a sweet tooth but still want an ice-cold, refreshing summer treat, try freezing your coffee overnight in an ice cube mold. From there, your possibilities are endless: Snack on a single cube, throw a few into a glass of milk, or blend them into your IsaLean® Shake.
Give It Some Thought
Whenever you’re headed for the snacks, stop and think about why you’re really grabbing something to nosh on. Is it because you’re hungry, because you’re bored or thirsty (a likely cause in the summer heat), or because your friends are snacking right in front of you?
This tip may be boring, but it’s important! Try to be mindful of why you’re snacking, and indulge only when you’re truly hungry.
Think you’re ready to soak up some summer sun and snack smartly? I do!
