The summer is a great time to get in shape. You get out of the house more. The warm weather makes it easier to shed pounds. There are always all kinds of fun activities happening, from barbecues to beach trips. Of course, a big part of getting in shape (not to mention staying in shape) is your diet. Fortunately, nothing is more refreshing than a light, healthy snack on a hot day.
So what should you eat to keep your energy up and your weight down during the summer months? We offer a few tips for healthy snacking when the mercury rises:
Fresh Fruit
To quote Marge Simpson, “Fruit is nature’s candy.”
You really can’t go wrong with a hearty fruit salad. Spark People recommends a mix of the fruits that are most in season during the summer. This includes watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, peaches and plums. Really though, you can use any of your favorite fruits. Any mix of fruits will provide you with a fresh, delicious, colorful snack that is rich in vitamins and cancer-fighting anti-oxidants.
If you’re in a big hurry, throw your favorite fruits into a blender with some coconut milk and you’ve got yourself a refreshing smoothie for the road. If it’s a cold snack you’re looking for, buy fresh, not-from-concentrate juice and a plastic snack-pop mold. Just fill the plastic mold with juice and freeze. In a few hours, you’ll have healthy homemade popsicles.
Unsalted Nuts
The Mayo Clinic tells that nuts can be especially beneficial to your health. Walnuts, almonds, cashews and hazelnuts all contain unsaturated fatty acids, which are an important weapon in the fight against heart disease. Not only that, but they make for a fast, affordable and tasty snack. A good mix of nuts can make a great light snack when you’re on the go and, with regular intake, can help to lower your cholesterol as well as your risk of blood clotting or heart attack.
Caprese Salad
For a great snack that’s easy to make and even easier to love, all you need are fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and white balsamic vinegar and you’ll have a treat that’s light, refreshing and, thanks to the mozzarella, high in healthy proteins. Make your Caprese Salad a little bigger by adding olives and artichokes and suddenly, you’ve got a main course!
Chilled Cucumber Soup
Health.com offers a recipe for a delicious cucumber soup. This creative approach to summer snacking suggests that soup isn’t just for the cold of winter. A chilled bowl of pureed cucumber, mint and yogurt makes for a cool and rejuvenating take on soup. The yogurt also makes it an awesome source for protein.
Corn on the Cob
When you find yourself at your next summer barbecue, maybe consider trading that second hot dog for another ear of corn. According to the Huffington Post, a medium-sized ear of corn is only 99 calories but contains 2.5 grams of dietary fiber and plenty of hydrating water. Zest a little lime-juice on an ear of sweet corn for added flavor.
