On The Table

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10 Healthy Summer Snacks to Enjoy Today

The best snacks for summer offer protein and fiber while being controlled in calories. They satisfy the tastebuds, hunger, and waistlines throughout a busy summer, and today, too!

10 Healthy Summer Snacks to Enjoy Today

Summer calls for pool parties, beach visits, picnics, and other activities.

With a such a fun, yet busy schedule it may be simple to disregard hunger when it calls. Or worse yet, resorting to that vending machine for a quick summertime snack.

Fortunately, we have compiled a list of healthy snacks that can be enjoyed all summer long!

10 Healthy Summer Snacks

The best snacks for summer offer protein and fiber while being controlled in calories. They satisfy the tastebuds, hunger, and waistlines throughout a busy summer, too!

1. Watermelon and Yogurt Parfait

Fresh fruit is hard to beat in the summer heat. And watermelon is one of the best summer fruits to enjoy. Because being comprised of 91 percent water, watermelon is valuable hydration source on a hot summer day!

To elevate the satiety factor, layer ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt and 1 cup of cubed watermelon. The pairing offers a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, along with about 18 grams of protein.

2. Berries and Cottage Cheese

A ½ cup serving of low-fat cottage cheese supplies a mere 80 calories and a whopping 14 grams of protein! And like yogurt, cottage cheese also flavors well with fruit such as berries.

Berries are some of the healthiest fruits, supplying powerful antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Relish on all the berry varieties, including blueberry, strawberry, and blackberry.

3. Edamole and Veggies

Store bought chips and dips tend to be laden in added sugar and sodium, often lacking any sort of nutritional value.

Fortunately, there other delicious and nutritious dips we can count on, including this bistroMD edamole recipe. It offers fiber and protein while being a mere 50 calories per serving!

Dip with favorite veggies, including red bell peppers, cucumbers, and baby carrots.

4. Celery and Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is rich in protein and healthy fat, while celery is low in calorie. The combo of the two is also a classic combo!

Kids love this healthy snack idea, too, especially if sculpting into ants on a log. To make, smear a tablespoon of peanut butter into a hollow area of the celery stalk. Sprinkle with raisins to mimic the "ants."

5. No-Bake Protein Energy Balls

Granola bars are generally sought out for a "healthy" snack. However, they are often packed with sugars, syrups, and oils. Preserve their convenience without unwanted ingredients by prepare a batch of protein balls for an easy snack on-the-go.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup vanilla whey protein powder (about 2 scoops)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• ½ cup honey or agave
• ¼ cup flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, add rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, honey, flax and chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
2. Pulse until ingredients are well-incorporated.
3. Transfer mixture into a large bowl then fold in chocolate chips.
4. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and enjoy!

Also feel free to add other mix-ins, including raisins, dried bananas, and chopped pecans.

6. Trail Mix

Like granola bars, trail mix may seem like a good choice. However, trail mixes are commonly loaded with sodium and sugar with added candies and salt. And if people associate trail mix as healthy, they may overeat on the large bag…

However, preparing a homemade trail mix allows ingredient control. Portioning out into small bags or containers helps ensure portion control, too.

Pecans, almonds, cashews and other nuts are a good source of healthy fat and protein to include. Add a little sweetness and variety by mixing favorite trail mix-ins, including shredded coconut, banana chips, and cocoa nibs.

7. Garlic Hummus Cucumber Cups

This roasted garlic hummus in cucumber cups recipe is jam-packed with nourishing nutrients, including plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas. They are also rich in healthy fat, especially thanks to the use of olive oil.

The hummus can also be paired with carrot sticks and other favorite veggies.

8. Tuna Salad

Tuna is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Mixing it into a healthy tuna salad only elevates the nutrient profile and flavor!

To make, mix a drained 5-ounce can of wild albacore tuna with half an avocado and diced celery. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Consume as is or dip with cucumber slices or carrot sticks.

9. Frozen Grapes and String Cheese

This duo delivers a sense of gourmet to snacking: Fresh grapes and cheese! As the grapes deliver dietary fiber sweetness, string cheese offers protein to help induce satiety.

Freezing the grapes and eating on a hot day can also be a refreshing and satisfying treat!

10. Greek Yogurt Dreamsicles

On a scorching day, ice cream, sherbet, and other cold treats are hard to beat. But most are laden in calories, sugar, and fat as well.

So, cool off with a nutritious Greek yogurt popsicle instead! They are completely versatile and can harness a multitude of flavors, including the dreamsicles detailed below.

And not to mention, they are made with all natural ingredients and devoid of unwanted, artificial additives!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 8 fluid ounces of orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients into a blender until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least two hours.
3. Allow popsicles to thaw for about two minutes before displacing from the mold.
4. Enjoy on a warm summer's day!