(HealthyResearch.com) – Looking for some snacks to take along on your summer adventures without packing on the pounds? There are plenty of foods that are both healthy and ideal to eat while basking in the sun. Here are 8 healthy snacks for warm weather.
1. Almond Butter Sandwich
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to peanut butter, try almond butter on your sandwiches. Some of the many nutrients in this nutty snack include copper, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, fiber and healthy fats. Almond butter has a plethora of health benefits. It might help protect your skin, maintain a healthy gut biome, and even though it can be high in fat, it may promote weight loss when used as a replacement for high-carb ingredients.
2. Watermelon
When it comes to food that’s great for basking in the sun, watermelon is high on the list. It’s important to stay hydrated all the time, but especially during warm weather. Watermelon is 92% water. So it’s great for quenching your thirst and satisfying a sweet tooth without adding too many calories. This is a very low-calorie snack, with only about 40 calories per cup.
3. Green Juice
There are special juices called green juices that are usually found in or near the produce section of the grocery store. These are veggie- and nutrient-infused juices made specifically to be low in sugar and high in nutrition. Read labels and try to choose one that also contains lemon and ginger for the best benefits. However, any of these are a healthier choice over regular juice. Adding ginger and lemon may increase stomach and digestive health and make green juices more palatable.
4. Protein Balls
Need some extra protein in your life? Protein balls are easy to make and small enough to pack along with you. All you need is some protein powder and a few simple ingredients. To make these, measure:
- ½ cup unsweetened nut butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅔ lightly packed vanilla protein powder.
Mix the ingredients together in a bowl until everything is fully blended. Then roll the mixture into balls and coat them with healthy ingredients like cocoa, chia seeds, or coconut shavings.
5. Dried Fruit
Looking for all the benefits of various fruits without trying to figure out ways to carry around fresh fruit? Try dried fruits instead. Mix together your favorites and store them in a plastic bag for the easiest portable storage. They can be tucked away in a purse, diaper bag, vehicle, or tote bag. Dried fruit is high in fiber, as well as several vitamins and other virtual nutrients.
6. Gazpacho
Eating soup is a great way to add multiple nutrients in one place. Gazpacho is a soup that is served cold, which is perfect for the warm weather. It is made by blending the veggies of your choice into a mostly tomato base and then served cold. This is a great way to sneak in those veggies for a nutrient boost, and it’s perfect for lounging on the patio in the summer sun.
7. Trail Mix
Trail mix is made by blending various nuts, fruits, and other ingredients together to create a healthy and portable treat. As the name suggests, it is perfect for hitting hiking or biking trails in the summer sun. Choose ingredients that aren’t likely to melt in the summer sun and that are also healthy, like dried cranberries, pecans, almonds, raisins, cashews, chia seeds, sesame sticks, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, and similar items.
8. Kale & Quinoa Salad
Kale is a superfood and is packed with satisfying nutrients and vitamins. It also happens to be low in calories and high in fiber. Toss in some cooked quinoa, and it’s an even healthier addition to your day. Quinoa is rich in protein and can be added to almost any dish.
These two alone can make a healthy snack, but for variety, consider adding cranberries, walnuts, pecans, sliced almonds, roasted veggies, and more. Vinaigrette dressings work best on these types of salads. You can mix and match temperatures serving the kale cold but adding warm quinoa or roasted vegetables.
Summer is such a spectacular time of year for enjoying the sun and outdoor activities. These light, healthy snacks might just give you the energy to keep going into the later, sunny evenings with more energy while feeling less weighed down. Enjoy the warm weather, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
~Here’s to Your Health & Safety!
Copyright 2021, HealthyResearch.com
