14 Jun Smart Snacking for Summer Occasions

Posted at 21:02h in Knowledge Bombs, Recipes, Tips and Tricks by
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Summer festivities bring a wide variety of different food settings. From beach days to backyard barbecues to day hikes, these activities can encompass a big chunk of your day and interrupt regular meal times. Satisfying snacks are a perfect solution to these long summer days of fun.

Here are some customizable and easy snacks that work for a variety of summer occasions.

 

Beach Day Snacks

On hot beach days it can be easier to grab shelf stable, room temperature snacks like crackers and chips which don’t always leave you feeling your best, or very satisfied. When packing for the beach make sure to bring ice packs to keep your foods refrigerated and cool. Cooler totes are a perfect option for colder snacks and limits the amount of SAND that can make its way into your bag. Remember to bring reusable utensils for non finger foods.

IDEAS:

  • FRUIT SALAD: choose your favorite fruits, dice them up and throw them together into a yummy and refreshing fruit salad! Think high water content fruits like watermelon, cherries, peaches, grapes, oranges.

  • PASTA SALAD: choose your pasta preference (I love short style bean based pastas), veggies of choice (cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, etc.), and variety of proteins of choice (chickpeas, pepperoni, tuna, mozzarella cheese, etc.). Toss together in your favorite vinaigrette dressing and you have a balanced snack of carb, protein and color at your fingertips.

  • DELI PINWHEELS: Lox and cream cheese, chicken salad, turkey and cheese – the pinwheel fillings are endless and totally customizable to your liking. For a non-refrigerated option, fill wraps or flat breads with peanut butter banana and honey.

  • CUCUMBER SANDWICHES: Using cucumber as the bread of these mini sandwiches acts as a refreshing and light snack to add to your beach bag. Fill with tuna salad or deli meats of choice to create your own delicious mini sandwiches.

Non-refrigerated option:

  • RICE CAKES with nut butter, dried fruits, hummus, tuna salad or boiled eggs. Giving you the crunch with less added salt, and pairing with nutrient dense foods.

  • SNACK MIX: popcorn + unsalted mixed nuts + dried fruit

Boat Day Snacks

Boat days feel so much better with the right snacks. Bringing a cooler can be worth all the difference in keeping not only your food but your water and beverages cold.

IDEAS:

  • FROZEN Fruit: Grapes or bananas are enjoyable at room temperature but they are even better frozen! Freezing fruits not only helps increase shelf life but also creates a refreshing dessert, perfect for a hot boat day. Dip frozen banana in peanut butter or a nut butter of choice to add some healthy fats into this snack option. Dip grapes in cool whip or yogurt dip.

  • CHICKEN SALAD & CRACKERS: Easy option to introduce all of the food groups in one single bite. Protein rich chicken salad acts as a nutrient dense protein salad for a day of swimming off the boat. Add chopped apples, grapes, and/or celery into the chicken salad to add some fruits and veggies, and pair with your favorite whole grain crackers.

  • VEGGIES AND HUMMUS: Cut up veggies and your favorite hummus (garlic, roasted red pepper, black bean, etc.)

  • CHICKPEA PUFFS: Chickpea puffs are a super yummy and easy snack to grab on the go. There are so many flavors to choose from and no preparation required. (unless you make them yourself!) They are a light option and not super satisfying alone. Pairing these with a turkey sandwich will give you the crunch while keeping portions in check.

Backyard Barbecue Snacks

With the endless barbecues of summer, having nutrient dense options will keep you feeling better, and remember, other people appreciate healthier options too!

IDEAS:

  • MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA SALAD: Canned beans are a real MVP for a high fiber, protein duo – keeping you satisfied much longer than veggies solo.

  • SHRIMP TOSTADO BITES: These bites add a little protein which is typically lacking in appetizers, and super easy to make. Using Tostitos chips, fill with guacamole and top with grilled shrimp. Plate and serve.

  • PINEAPPLE SALSA: Refreshing and filled with flavor this salsa acts as an alternative from your typical salsa recipe. Pair with whole grain pita chips or top on grilled fish.

  • BUNLESS BURGER SKEWERS (aka burgers on a stick): These skewers consist of a mini meat patty and your favorite burger toppings piled on a skewer. Dip into ketchup and you have a burger in a bite.

Hiking Snacks

Hiking can be a long and strenuous day of physical activity. It is super important to keep yourself fueled and hydrated for the entirety of your trip. Making sure you are refueling every 3-5 hours and eating nutrient dense food is key in helping you reach the summit!

IDEAS:

  • ENERGY BITES: There are endless combos for energy balls that are adaptable to your liking. At its most basic form, combine oats, nut butter, sweetener and chia seeds, dried fruit, coconut flakes or other toppings of your liking and mix into ball form. Refrigerate overnight and you have energy on the go.

  • BANANA CHIPS: High in carbohydrates and a tasty treat, banana chips are an easy option for a portable snack.

  • TRAIL MIX: Completely customizable and nutrient dense, add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, seeds and sweet to your trail mix. You can also buy pre portioned mixes for an easy portable option.

  • OVERNIGHT OATS: This classic breakfast is a perfect option for a long day of hiking. Filled with high fiber carbohydrates and super satiating to keep you fueled for your hike, overnight oats are easy to make and easy to store for your journey. There are so many great combos. Prepare the night before your hike, store in a container and refrigerate.

 

Travel Snacks

Sometimes summer plans require long hours in the car. Packing ahead snacks can limit the amount of stops, money you spend and help you feel better during your travel.

IDEAS

  • PITA POCKET TUNA SALAD: Instead of stopping for lunch, keep these sandwiches in a cooler in the car as a quick lunch solution.

  • VEGGIE CHIPS: These are the perfect addition to your snack bag for the road. Pair with your pita sandwich for a side crunch.

  • PB&J SANDWICH: A classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, up level with whole grain bread for fiber. Customize with your favorite jam or add fresh fruit. Pair this with a protein drink to keep you satisfied longer and energy stable.

  • YOGURT SHAKE: A light nutrient packed drink high in protein will keep you feeling your best for long drives. This could be a great addition to your PB & J sandwich for additional protein.

No matter where you go this summer keep your snacks 

SIMPLE

NUTRIENT DENSE

PROPERLY PACKED

 

I would love to know what your go-to summer snacks are and your favorite twists on classic summer recipes!

Here for You,
Jennie

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