ENJOY SUMMERTIME BOUNTY FROM MOTHER EARTH
Summer produce offers a huge variety of delicious fruits and veggies that we wait all winter to enjoy.
When we are craving snacks that are both portable and simple, it is the best time of year to find something delectable to munch on.
Sweet, juicy watermelon, cantaloupe and berries that are bursting with flavor are a few of my favorite summer treats.
The summer months are often filled with outdoor activities which can leave us without a lot of time for food preparation.
Summer is the time to enjoy family and friends and to have fun. This is what memories are made of, and it gives us plenty of things to look forward to when the snow is flying and the days are cold, short and dark.
This doesn't leave us with a lot of kitchen time, and it's the reason why I love to have some simple, healthy snacks to bring with me on my favorite summer outings.
It's always great to get some fresh ideas on new ways to keep a delicious variety of snacks available.
It doesn’t need to be complicated, and a quick, healthy snack can save you from diving into a bag of potato chips or a box of cookies.
It can be much, much more delicious…
HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITES:
Fruit Kabobs.
Slide any of your favorite fruits on a kabob stick, and you’ve got a portable snack with no guilt. Some delicious fruit in season during summer include: blackberries, cherries, strawberries, and melons. All of these are excellent choices for fruit kabobs
You can even add your favorite yogurt as a dip!
Apple Donut.
No, not really a donut (sorry) — but it’s quite delicious. Slice apples into rounds that resemble a donut and top with your favorite nut butter. You can even make a sandwich out of it by putting the nut butter between two slices of apple rounds. For some extra zing, sprinkle the apples with a dash of cinnamon.
Cucumber Rolls.
Thinly slice cucumbers into long slices that you can then use to make sandwiches out of. Just roll your choice of fillings inside. You can use ingredients such as tuna salad, cherry tomatoes, guacamole, thinly sliced meat, or whatever your heart desires. After they are assembled, you could also cut them into bite sized treats. They can provide a satisfying and delicious low carb meal.
Granola Bites.
There are an endless amount of energy ball recipes you can choose from. They typically involve nut butter, cacao powder, (raw is best) oats or granola, plus dates or other natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup. It takes a bit more prep time, but the energy balls are a perfect little snack to carry along, and it can also serve to satisfy a persistent sweet tooth. Two or three energy bites later, and your cravings are under control.
Celery Sticks.
Never underestimate the value of celery. You can bring along celery sticks with a savory yogurt dip on the side, or you can fill the inside of your celery stick with nut butter and chopped berries or grapes. You can even fill that cute little funnel with chicken or tuna salad. It’s always a crowd pleaser.
PREPARATION TIME CAN BE THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN EATING HEALTHY.
If you maintain a variety of healthy food and snacks at your fingertips, it's only natural for you to make healthier diet decisions.
A small but significant method of setting yourself up for success is to make a plan each week, before hitting the grocery store. Have a list with you and make it a commitment to use all that fresh produce. Your body and your family will thank you for it.
Knowing what healthy snacks (and meals) you’ll have ready for a moment's notice, will leave you with plenty of time to enjoy your summer time living!
Use the comments to share your favorite healthy, portable summer snacks!
