[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_position=”right” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]I’m all about quick and easy snacks. Anything that takes less than 5 minutes to prepare calls my name! Oftentimes when we think convenience food and snacks we think of “junk” food. I like to think of snacks more like mini meals. They should provide us with nutrients, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice taste. Here are my top 5 summertime snacks – all of which are both nutritious AND delicious!
- Homemade popsicles – Popsicles are a necessity on a hot day. They are cold and refreshing, and can be made to suit your taste buds! Simply blend your choice of fruit and water or non-dairy milk together, pour into a popsicle mold, and freeze for a few hours. I like to make them ahead of time so they’re ready when I am!
- Avocado and carrot sticks – This is as easy as it comes! I like to cut my avocado in half, sprinkle salt, and eat it right out of the skin. Then I munch on the carrots. You could eat it vice versa, or even eat them together! I pack this one for work a lot, since avocados and carrots are both portable.
- Homemade gummies – These are easy to make and satisfying to eat. Just like the popsicles, they can be made to suit your taste! I recently posted my recipe for Sour Blueberry Gummies (link), along with some of their health benefits.
- Jicama or mango with lime and salt – This is one of my all-time favorites! One of my good friends introduced me to the mango version a few years ago. You cut up an underripe mango, squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle salt over it, and then devour! The jicama version is new for me. I was buying jicama sticks at Trader Joe’s just a few weeks ago, and the cashier mentioned that she eats them with lime juice and salt. Of course I tried it as soon as I got home. She was right, it’s heavenly.
- Green juice – I have a hard time staying hydrated. I challenge myself to drink enough water throughout the day, but somehow I find myself just short of my goal. Liquid snacks to the rescue! If I choose to drink my snack instead of eat it, it helps me get that little bit of hydration that I need in. I love this infographic from Kris Carr for ideas. Just skip the cayenne if you’re AIP.
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