Summertime is here so it’s time to think about healthy and delicious snacks for summer. When it comes to summertime snacking, we all want something light, icy and tasty so that we don’t have to worry about our waistlines. From fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade popsicles, there are many awesome summer snack ideas to try this season. Fruits and veggies are high in nutrients which will help to get you through the hot days and the homemade popsicles are a yummy treat for a summer BBQ. Try out these 10 healthy and delicious summer snacks and feel free to share your own summer snack ideas after reading through.
1. Fresh fruit cup
This refreshing summer snack is perfect for both kids and adults. Most fruits are low in calories and sugar so they make a great snack for those who are trying to lose weight. Strawberries, apples, cherries, blueberries, grapefruit and pomegranate are among the healthiest fruits you may want to eat daily. Many fruits travel well in your bag or in the car. Just mix your favorite fruits to make the healthy travel snack.
2. Yogurt with berries
Yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and berries are high in vitamin C and powerful antioxidants. Berries help your body combat stress, and they contribute to beautiful, glowing skin. Since berries contain water they also help you stay hydrated during the hot summer days. Yogurt with berries is one of the healthiest and most delicious snacks to try this summer. You can also add a whole grain cereal to your yogurt if needed.
3. Watermelon feta salad
Mix 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 2 cups of diced watermelon, and 1 tablespoon of chopped dill in a small bowl. This healthy summer snack should be eaten immediately, otherwise the watermelon can become soggy and tasteless.
4. Veggies with a light dip
Vegetables are low in calories and high in a variety of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, which help combat age-related diseases. Fresh vegetables with a light dip is a great, satisfying snack to eat on a hot day. Treat yourself to guacamole or hummus dip, or make your own vegetable dip with non-fat Greek yogurt and some ranch seasoning.
5. Green smoothie
Tear 1 cup of kale leaves into small shapes. Pulse 5 ice cubes in your blender until crushed. Add kale, 1 cup of fresh mixed berries, 1/2 banana, and 1/2 cup of water to your blender and blend until smooth.
6. Cheese sticks
This is a quick and easy summer snack that you can eat at home. Cheese sticks are packed with bone building calcium and protein. Cheese is also high in vitamin B that helps your body absorb and distribute calcium to build and maintain healthy bones. If you don’t like cheese, try wrapping cheese sticks in whole-wheat tortillas and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Add fresh salsa and enjoy a tasty snack!
7. Popsicles
Have you ever made your own popsicles? All you need is an ice pop mold and a blender. The ice pop molds are easy to find and buy during the summertime, so why not make the ice pops and invite your friends to enjoy this awesome treat? The flavor combinations of the homemade popsicles are numerous. You can use fruits and vegetables to make the yummy treat.
8. Bacon-cantaloupe bites
It’s one of my favorite summer snacks. The best part about this snack is that it’s incredibly satisfying and really easy to make. Simply cook 1 slice bacon in your pan and cut it into 10 small pieces. Cut cantaloupe into 10 small pieces as well, and spear cantaloupe and bacon with toothpicks.
9. Trail mix
Whether you have a beach trip, a long hike planned or a bike ride, take along healthy trail mix. Combine raw nuts, dried fruits, chocolate nibs and unsweetened coconut to make the delicious summer snack. The raw nuts give you fat and protein, the dried fruits give you carbs, unsweetened coconut gives you protein and the cocoa nibs are packed with powerful antioxidants. Enjoy this crunchy snack any time you feel hungry.
10. Air popped popcorn
Air popped popcorn makes an amazing summer snack. This healthy, whole grain snack is high in fiber and it’s one of the best sizable summer snacks. Try to make your own popcorn to skip the salt and trans fat that the commercial popcorns are packed with. Toss in some Parmesan and rosemary or cayenne pepper and chili powder to add some flavor to your popcorn.
Healthy crunchy treats and fresh sweet treats will definitely satisfy your snack cravings during the summer season. Keep your healthy snacks ready to go in your fridge or pantry, so that there will always be something tasty to refuel you when you are hungry. What’s your favorite summer snack?
