Summer is the perfect season for outdoor activities like barbecues and beach parties with friends and family. The hot summer temps mean we’ll be expending more energy than normal. It’s important that we eat the right foods and snacks to stay active. Let’s take a look at some of the best healthy snacks that you can try this summer to keep your body lean and healthy.
Kale Chips
While most of us are used to potato chips, scientific studies have shown that potatoes contain lectins which irritate the gut lining and can lead to impaired digestion. Kale chips, on the other hand, are easier to digest and are lower in calories. Prepare your own chips by baking cleaned and dry kale for approximately 15 minutes. Then sprinkle with seasoning.
Smoothie Bowls
Instead of digging into fat and sugar-laden ice cream this summer, try a smoothie bowl instead. The choice between consuming your smoothie as a drink or as a spoon-ready medley of add-ons is a fun one to make. You can blend frozen bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or cherries with ice. Then top your smoothie bowl off with some crunchy granola or diced fruit for extra favor.
Sparkling Water
The hot summer weather gets us thirsty quite quickly. While a cold soda may seem like the perfect way to quench your thirst, it’s a very unhealthy choice. Studies have established a link between soda consumption and chronic heart disease. Drink sparkling water instead to get that irresistible bubbly sensation without all the sugar.
Summer Mocktail
After a long day of soaking up the sun cool down with a refreshing mocktail – a cocktail without the alcohol. Making a virgin margarita is easy! Squeeze lime juice and agave over ice and blend. Avoid pre-made mixtures because some of them are high in glucose and fructose.
Carrot Sticks and Homemade Guacamole
Chips and dip are “go to” party snacks but are often high in fat. Go the healthy route and pair carrot sticks and cucumber slices with guacamole in place of chips and dip. Carrots are rich in vitamin A while guacamole is rich in monounsaturated fat making it healthier than the usual party dip.
