Do you feel like you’re constantly on the run during the summer and feel like you have to stop and get fast food all the time? You’re in good company. Many families have very full schedules during summer, but it’s important to still consider your family’s health.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to take a long time to prepare healthy snacks that will boost your energy and health levels. Here are a few healthy summertime snacks that are delightfully easy to prepare.
What To Consider When Choosing a “Healthy” Snack
When choosing a healthy snack for summertime enjoyment, look for a snack that’s quick and easy to prepare and that contains nutrients vital for health and energy. Here are a few healthy snack ideas for inspiration.
Fruit Necklaces
These cute necklaces are so much fun for kids and taste amazing. To create this snack, wash and dry a variety of fruits that won’t discolor when oxygenized. Grapes, strawberries and blueberries are all great choices.
Next, sterilize a chunky yarn needle and cut some elastic cord into two-foot lengths. Thread the cord onto the needle. Pierce one piece of fruit, slide it to one end of the cord and tie the cord around it to hold it in place. You can then begin to thread the rest of the fruit pieces onto the necklace. Once you’re finished, tie the “beaded” necklace around your child’s neck. Now, he or she can snack on healthy, refreshing fruit while coloring, making crafts or reading.
Ants on a Log
This classic healthy snack is so quick and easy to prepare (which makes it perfect for busy days). To make it, simply wash and dry a few celery sticks, chop them into two-inch chunks, spread smooth peanut butter down the middles, and top with a few raisins. That’s it! These snacks are great because they contain nutrient-rich veggies and fruit as well as protein and healthy fat.
Watermelon Slush
This refreshing “dessert” is ideal for hot summer afternoons. It only requires three ingredients and you can make it in just a few minutes. To create this mouthwatering dessert, combine four cups of watermelon, ¼ cup of coconut sugar, and the juice of one lime to a blender. For about one minute, blend the mixture until it’s smooth.
Once blended, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe dish, then cover and place it flat in the freezer. In about an hour, remove the mixture from the freezer and scrape off any ice with a form. Cover the dish again and put it back in the freezer for an additional two hours.
For the final time, remove any formed ice from the dish and serve the dessert in individual dessert dishes. Yummy!
Brown Bag Popcorn
Popcorn is so satisfying and has few calories per serving (which makes it a great option for those who are trying to watch their waistlines). For a new take on an old treat, try popping popcorn in a brown paper bag. To do this, pour about 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag. If you want to add salt or other seasonings, do so now. Fold the top of the bag down twice to keep the contents inside, then cook at full power in the microwave for between 2 ½ - 3 minutes (or until there are about two seconds between pops).
Watermelon Popsicles
Are your kids tired of the predictable watermelon slices? Add some novelty to your favorite fruit by poking popsicle sticks through the rinds of a few small watermelon slices. This is the easiest way to make eating healthy fun!
Summertime may be busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make time for healthy snacks.