With summer upon us, we’re bound to be more active than in the winter months. Whether it’s beach volleyball, swimming, hiking, or biking, all that increased activity will potentially lead to more snacking. The good news is there are many healthy snacks that will satisfy our cravings.
Healthy Snacks That Satisfy Cravings
Nuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Did you know that two tablespoons of almonds are just 100 calories? Like most nuts, almonds are very satiating when we’re in snacking mode. When purchasing nuts, it’s best to select raw ones that are unsalted because salt can be dehydrating. And we'll want to avoid dehydration especially on hot days when we may be sweating more. Here’s a tip: combine nuts with vibrant red raspberries for a snack full of fiber and plant-based omega-3s.
Boiled eggs make a perfect on-the-go snack. They are a good source of protein and one of the few foods that contain vitamin D. If eating a boiled egg seems bland, add a dash or two of spicy hot sauce.
Hummus makes a great summer snack, especially when paired with colorful sliced veggies like bell peppers. Hummus is one of the most nutrient dense dips we can eat. It’s full of iron, folate, and B vitamins. And with its high fiber and protein content, hummus keeps us feeling full longer.
Frozen blueberries are a refreshing sweet summer snack. One cup of blueberries has only 84 calories, making them a low-calorie snack. They are high in fiber, along with vitamins C and K. Blueberries rank #11 on the Dirty Dozen list of crops that contain the greatest number of pesticides, so be sure to purchase organic blueberries whenever possible.
Cheese is a great snack, and string cheese is an easy, no mess option to take on the go. String cheese is also a good source of calcium and protein.
Flavored yogurt is a tasty snack, but many brands contain a lot of sugar, turning a healthy snack into an unhealthy one. We can dress up plain yogurt with Lily’s dark chocolate chips, which are sweetened with stevia. They’re sugar-free and full of flavor, and 14 chips is only 50 calories.
Wild Planet wild tuna pouches are another delicious healthy summer snack. The single serving pouch makes it easy to eat on the go. Do you think tuna sounds boring or bland? Not so with this brand! They offer seasoned packets like lime and basil, lemon and thyme, jalapeno and cumin, and sweet chili pepper. They’re a whole new taste for our palate.
