To help you gear up your health-focused motivation for the spring season, here are six simple nutrition tips from Matt Herzog, president of Funky Monkey Snacks, that light and crunchy low-calorie, gluten-free, freeze-dried fruit snack for both kids and adults.
To help you gear up your health-focused motivation for the spring season, here are six simple nutrition tips from Matt Herzog, president of Funky Monkey Snacks, that light and crunchy low-calorie, gluten-free, freeze-dried fruit snack for both kids and adults.
Get your fill of water
As the weather warms up, Herzog encourages us to drink up. “To help avoid muscle cramps and headaches and to nourish skin, drink plenty of liquids, especially water,” he states.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition outlines the following choices along with the maximum recommended daily eight-ounce servings:
- t
- water (9 for women, 13 for men)
- unsweetened tea (8)
- unsweetened coffee (4)
- diet sodas and calorie-free beverages (4)
- skim or low-fat milk (2)
- 100% fruit juices, whole milk, or sports drinks (1)
- soft drinks or juice drinks (1)
t
t
t
t
t
t
Find a farmer
“There isn’t a better time of year to visit local farmers markets where an amazing array of healthy produce awaits,” says Herzog. “Many vegetables are high in nutrients and fiber. Kale, chard, and mustard greens offer vitamins C and E, which are good for eyes strained by the sun. Potassium-rich potatoes and spinach help avoid muscle cramps as well. Try putting vegetables on the backyard grill along with your main course for a special treat.”
Up your fruit quotient
We know that the sun can wreak havoc on skin during outdoor activities. Herzog suggests complementing your increased water intake with eating more fresh fruit, like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for their high antioxidant level, and bananas for their potassium. Herzog says, “Make smoothies or fruit kabobs to add variety, and try Funky Monkey Snacks, which are bite-sized 100% real fruit snacks that are nutritionally equivalent to their fresh fruit counterparts and made with bananas, pineapples, apples, papaya, raisins, and açai.” Sounds good to us!
Lighter is better
“Eating smaller meals more often is always a good idea, but especially in summer when people tend to miss eating at meal times or are suddenly presented with a picnic or party smorgasbord,” says Herzog. “Lighter fare is also a good way to get nutrients without excessive calories.”
Limit high-calorie treats
Be careful how many frozen treats you allow yourself when the weather heats up. “You can quickly consume more calories faster than your increased summertime activity can work off,” Herzog warns. He suggests opting for newer low-fat versions of frozen desserts or sorbet or for everyone to eat a healthy meal and then plan an after-dinner diversion to take everyone’s mind off big desserts.
Think about the kids
Don’t let your jam-packed summer schedule derail your family’s diet. “Erratic eating can be especially hard on children during the summer—and their demand for treats can ruin anyone’s commitment to good nutrition,” empathizes Herzog. “Try to maintain a regular meal schedule as much as possible, and keep only healthy snacks in the house and in the car at all times, so no one is tempted.”
More vegan lifestyle tips!
Leave a Comment