Summer treats to enjoy => With summer in full swing, it isn’t a surprise that many of our activities move outdoors. BBQs, lounging by the pool, the lake, or the ocean, evening walks, and even lunch breaks often center around embracing the season. Along with warmer weather activities, we naturally reach for warm-weather foods like fresh, juicy fruit, cool ice cream, and frosty beverages. These refreshing foods can be a welcome respite from the heat of summer, but don’t always keep calories in check or provide lasting energy. Find balance by incorporating these options into your summer celebrations: · Caprese skewers — Thread juicy grape tomatoes, basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella balls on skewers for an elegant appetizer. · Sliced summer veggies and hummus — Pick up your farmer’s market favorites, slice, and serve with store bought or homemade hummus. · Fruit kabobs — A simple, delicious way to enjoy seasonal fruits. If desired, serve with vanilla yogurt. Involve children in this activity by providing bowls of cut fruit and skewer sticks for them to create their own. When kids are involved with food preparation, they are more likely to experiment with new flavors. · Sparkling juice — Mix 1 cup seltzer water with ½ cup juice for a refreshing, low calorie alternative to soda or full-strength juice. · Frozen grapes or cherries — Simply wash, dry, freeze, and enjoy. · Grilled peach sundae — Halve fresh peaches, brush lightly with canola oil, and grill until golden brown and cooked through. Fill with ¼ cup vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt and sprinkle with cinnamon. · Skinny cocktails — Instead of reaching for high sugar options that can leave you lethargic and craving more, try a lighter option from Eating Well. · Shrimp cocktail — A nice change from the sweetness of traditional summer snacks: light, cool, and an excellent source of protein. · Frozen yogurt — Freeze individual containers of your favorite fat free yogurt for a cool, portion controlled treat that is lower in calories than traditional ice cream. Snack happy! And don’t forget to clean your grill. Carcinogens may build up on a dirty grill. Besides, no one likes the taste of old, crusty BBQ drippings! -- Wellness Monthly (July 2014)*
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:26:51 +0000