Keep cool without reaching for the ice cream.
Phew, it’s hot in here! How are you enjoying the heat wave? I love the sunshine but know it can bring out my inner summer rebel. From barbecues to ice cream trucks and calorie loaded iced mochas, the warm weather can bring with it a tide of unhealthy temptation. And while it’s fine to give in to temptation once in a while, a few poor eating decisions can start to derail all your best-laid plans for healthy living. So, indulge in moderation and support your eating with a range of nutritious snacks that will cool you down without overloading your system with refined sugar and empty calories.
Not sure where to start when it comes to healthy snacks for hot weather? Get inspired with a few of my favourites, below.
Frozen Fruit
This is such a simple idea, but an incredibly yummy one. Pop some grapes, strawberries, banana slices, blueberries or other fruit in the freezer and enjoy an icy snack that feels much more indulgent than it actually is. It sounds strange, but trust me, try it once and be converted!
No Sugar Iced Tea
Iced tea is normally packed with more sugar than you think, making it an unhealthy choice for rehydrating. Instead, make your favourite brew (I love chamomile for this recipe) and pop it in a container in the fridge to chill. Serve over ice, lemon and mint leaves throughout the day for a tasty way to cool down.
Frozen Smoothie Lollies
Love to grab your favourite icy snack from the freezer in the summer? Smoothie lollies are going to change your life. Grab a lolly mould from your local supermarket (the kind you used as a kid) and pour in your left-over smoothie mix in the morning. By lunchtime, you will have a healthy frozen snack that will curb your cravings for something cold. I love to use tropical fruits for a fresh summery taste.
Healthy Banana Blueberry Ice Cream
If ice cream is your food kryptonite, then you are going to love this easy recipe. Add two frozen bananas, a cup of low-fat Greek yoghurt and a handful of frozen blueberries to a blender, before adding a pinch of salt and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Blitz and add to a loaf tin for freezing. Take out about ten minutes before serving to soften slightly. This recipe is a game changer for summer!
Home Made Tzatziki
This easy dip can be knocked together in just a few minutes and served with raw veggies, makes an easy, cool, and healthy daytime snack. Just add peeled and diced cucumber to natural yoghurt along with two cloves of crushed garlic. It’s a refreshing, tasty and an easy way to up your veggie intake.
What are your go-to summer recipes? I’d love to know what you’re cooking up to keep cool. Share them on our social media channels to inspire everyone who is trying to stay healthy despite the heat. Next week we are getting active at the beach, with workouts you can take on holiday. In the meantime, keep hydrated and stay safe in the sun. Remember, you got this. You’re amazing!
