4 Healthy Snacks For Summer
It feels like summer. I personally enjoy when 90 degree temps take a little bit longer to reach my little corner of the universe, but hey, I don’t make the rules.
What I do make, is snacks. I love snacks more than any other food group. Unfortunately, this warm weather reminds me that it is no longer sweater weather and I should opt for some lighter, healthier snacks. Conveniently enough, I’ve found a few lately that are just delightful.
Much like the rest of the world, I change what I eat with the seasons. For example, I use my Instant Pot almost weekly in the fall and winter, making warm and cozy soups and chili. Lots of chili. In the spring and summer, we tend to grill out more often, opting for fresh veggies and lighter snacks.
Here are a few of my favorite healthier snacks that I’ve been enjoying this spring!
Quinoa Salad.
As it turns out, quinoa is a whole grain that also contains protein. It’s also a superfood, rich in fiber, antioxidants and many other vitamins and minerals. I’ve recently begun making batches of different versions of quinoa salads, mixed with whatever vegetables I have on hand. It’s great as a side, topped with chicken or avocado as a main course or salad, or even in a small portion as a light snack. Here is a link to several recipes I’ve been enjoying - the Quinoa Avocado is my favorite!
Fresh Fruit.
Every week when our grocery shopping is done, I’ve washed whatever berries were available in a large bowl of cold water and a splash of vinegar. I let it soak for 5-10 minutes, then rinse and add them to a large container for the week. It’s nice to have fresh fruit ready to go at any time, so I can just make myself a small bowl whenever I’m feeling a little snacky. My favorites are strawberries and blueberries, but we’ve had some delicious blackberries as well.
Greek Yogurt.
I know plain Greek yogurt doesn’t taste good. Trust me, I’m aware. However, I like to avoid the added sugar from flavored yogurts, and I love that plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream (hello, Taco Tuesday!). It’s like killing two birds with one stone. Anyway, my recent kick is PB&J yogurt. I promise it’s not gross okay? It’s like fruit-on-the-bottom yogurt, but better. I mix a tablespoon or so of peanut butter and a tablespoon or so of jelly into a small serving of yogurt, and I’m telling you, it’s what dreams are made of. Packed with protein and lower in fat than a PB&J sandwich - it’s the way to go for a light, satisfying snack.
Hummus (with almost anything).
It doesn’t matter what you dip in hummus, it’s delicious. Tortilla chips, pita bread, celery, baby carrots, pick your poison - it’s probably heavenly with some hummus. I’ve been craving classic hummus lately, but of course, there’s tons of flavors for you to choose from. It’s a wonderful dip, full of healthy fats and some protein, and perfect for summertime.