Heading to your local fair or amusement park is a great summer activity, but the foods there don’t tend to be overly healthy — or budget-friendly. Enjoy summer fun and still get the nutrients you need by packing some of these healthy snacks.
Refreshing spritzers
Don’t fill you, your family or your friends up with sugary drinks at the park. Instead, bring along a large bottle of seltzer water and a little bit of 100 per cent pure juice. Double-check that the juice is made from actual fruits and isn’t a sugary cocktail. Combine roughly one part juice with four parts carbonated water. You can also add a few berries or pieces of fresh fruit for garnish.
Trail mix
Don’t be fooled by some of the trail mixes offered at the grocery story. Many of them are filled with candy pieces or are heavily salted. Instead, head to your local bulk store, and get a combination of all your favourite nuts, seeds and dried fruit. These could include almond slivers, walnut pieces, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, dried apple slices or anything else that catches your eye. Just make sure the items you select are unsalted and aren’t highly oiled or sugared. Combine your selections in a large resealable bag, and you’re good to go. It’s the perfect filling snack when you’ve been walking around the fair grounds for what seems like forever and are in desperate need of a hearty treat!
Veggies and hummus
The veggies have your minerals, and the hummus has your healthy fats and protein; in combination, you have one healthy and satisfying snack. With a simple recipe and just a few ingredients, you can whip up your own homemade hummus that will go perfectly with cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, baby carrots, broccoli florets, cucumber wedges and pepper slices. And if you think you’ll need a little extra fortification, bring along some whole-wheat pitas or multi-grain crackers for an added energy boost.
Finger sandwiches
When grumbling bellies hit and it’s time to sit down for lunch, reach for nutritious finger sandwiches rather than greasy hot dogs or oversized waffles. Fill whole-wheat bread slices with ham and cheese, turkey, lettuce and tomato or perhaps this creamy egg salad. Cut sandwiches into quarters, and pack them securely in a Tupperware container for lunchtime. They’ll give you all the energy you need to continue on with your fun-filled day.
Apple slices
When you’re really feeling the summer heat, a refreshing piece of fruit is often just the dessert treat you need. For easy snacking, peel and slice the appropriate number of apples. Place them in a resealable bag, and sprinkle with a few drops of lemon juice. This will help keep them fresh until you’re ready for a crunchy and refreshing snack break.
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