Healthy Summer Snacking

Enjoying a snack can be a great way to boost your daily nutrition and provide your body with fuel. An ideal snack has protein, healthy fat, some fiber, and a good-quality carbohydrate. Some examples of these carbohydrates include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or dairy. When you include all these components as part of your snack you are more likely to feel satisfied or full longer, better maintain energy levels, avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes, and provide your body with some good nutrients.

Brainstorming and planning some snack ideas ahead of time can help to set you up for success and ensure these nutritious snacks are ready and available to you. It is important to also be mindful when eating snacks. This means trying to limit distractions such as watching TV or cleaning, and pay attention to your body’s feelings of hunger and fullness, and be aware if you are eating the snack out of habit or actual hunger.

Here are a few snack examples that pair carbohydrates with protein and healthy fat foods:

Veggies or pita chips with hummus
Fresh or frozen berries with greek yogurt
Whole grain crackers with natural peanut butter or cheese
Apple slices with nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts)
Pear with hard-boiled eggs
Oatmeal with walnuts and cinnamon
Whole grain bread sandwich with lean filling (turkey, ham, tuna)
Grapes with cheese string
Dried apricots and almonds
Bananas with peanut butter
Pretzels with boiled egg

Here’s a recipe for Frozen Yogurt Bark you and your family may enjoy!

Frozen Yogurt Bark Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 Cups plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 – 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/3 – 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
2-3 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

–Line a rimmed baking sheet with partchment paper.

–In a medium bowl, stir together yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla until well combined.

–Spread yogurt mixture evenly, about 1/4″ thick, onto the prepared baking sheet in rectangular shape. Scatter the strawberries & blueberries on top and sprinkle with coconut flakes.

–Place in the freezer for about 3 hours or until the yogurt is firm. Cut or break into 16-20 pieces and serve.

–Store leftover yogurt bark in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.