Does the summer heat zap your energy? Small meals along with well-chosen snacks can give you a boost. Stock up with these essential ingredients to create energy promoting snacks:
Nut butters- Once upon a time, peanut butter was the only spread around. Now many grocers stock sunflower, almond, and cashew butters. All nut butters taste delicious and are packed with heart-healthy fat and protein. Spread on apples, bananas, whole grain crackers, bagels, bread, or graham crackers for a simple, hearty snack.
Nuts and seeds- Great topping for salads, yogurt, and cereal. So yummy, they’re hard to quit eating by the handful.
Plain yogurt- Most sweetened yogurt is loaded with added sugar. If you find plain yogurt too tart, add a little honey or maple syrup. Top with frozen berries or any fresh fruit. Make smoothies by blending with milk, bananas, fruit, and even fresh spinach.
Fresh fruit- A sweet ingredient or a stand-alone snack. If you have left-over cantaloupe, blend with mint and freeze it for a refreshing snack.
Frozen bananas blended- If your bananas get too ripe, peel and toss in a freezer bag. To make banana “ice cream”, just throw in a blender a process until smooth.
Cheese sticks or slices- Taste great alone or as a topping for whole grain bread, bagels, tortillas or crackers. Add refreshing cucumber or avocado, or other veggies.
Whole grain, low sugar cereal- Quick snack with milk or yogurt. Or create a homemade trail mix by adding nuts and dried fruit.
Cut up veggies- Serve with one of the many types of hummus available or Greek yogurt seasoned with herbs.
Try this delicious, herb-packed dip with your cut up veggies.
Fresh Herb Sauce (aka Green Goddess)- 1 1/2 cups fresh parsley leaves
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped chives
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- zest of 1 lemon + 2 tablespoons juice
- 8 ounces Neufchatel cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon + freshly ground pepper
Serve as a dip for veggies or dress a salad. For a salad, thin to desired consistency with milk or water.
