Summer food is all about staying light, fresh and nutritious and if you’re battling the heat, you’re hardly going to feel like whipping up a feast. With so many summer snacks piling on the calories, however, staying healthy during the hotter months can be that bit more difficult than normal and if you really want to improve your wellness, it’s up to you to take things into control. These light bites are incredibly easy to prepare and, coming in at under 100 calories each, won’t sit heavily on your waistline. You can eat well and enjoy the summer season; all it takes is a little pre-planning!
- Blueberries
Berries are in abundance during summer time and depending on your tastes, there are a whole range of flavors available at your disposal. Out of all the fruity offerings the hotter months put forward, blueberries are arguably some of the best. Packed full of flavor and high in antioxidants, the fruits can work wonders on your health while keeping you feeling refreshed. A serving of the tasty fruit comes in at around 84 calories, helping you to keep your energy levels up without feeling weighed down.
- Greek Yogurt
Looking for a tasty way to start your day? Greek yogurt is one of the best choices that you can make. By choosing a plain variety of the food, you can add in whatever kind of flavorings that you like in order to give the whole thing a little taste. Adding fruits like raspberries is a perfect way to sneak in a fruity serving and offset the creaminess of the Greek yogurt. Better yet, the dish is very low in calories, enabling you to enjoy a tasty snack without any of the guilt!
- Frozen Grapes
Fed up of saying no to heavy ice creams? There’s a healthy alternative to everything. By popping a bag of grapes in your freezer, you can quickly whip up a light and cool afternoon snack that will help to give your health a little boost in the process. When frozen, grapes take on a texture similar to sorbet, without any of the extra added sugar. Take your snack out when the temperature picks up and enjoy them in the sun.
- Watermelon
A fruit as tasty as it is nutritious, watermelon is the ultimate summer snack. As well as being incredibly low in calories, the fruit is a great source of lycopene, a chemical that is known the help ward off the development of certain cancers. Better yet, slices of watermelon are packed full of juicy liquid, helping you to stay well hydrated on the hottest of summer days!
- Tofu Lettuce Wrap
When hunger calls, you might want something a little more substantial but when you’re trying to stick to a diet, it can be tricky to find the sorts of foods that you really want. Enter the lettuce wrap. Filled with baked tofu, salad, and a little lemon juice, this tasty lettuce wrap packs just under 100 calories and is loaded with healthy benefits. Turning to this when hunger calls can help to keep your cravings at bay and make it easier to follow a balanced lifestyle.
- Dark Chocolate Chips
Thought that chocolate was off the cards? Think again! Depending on the type of chocolate that you choose, there are a number of varieties that you can enjoy; it’s all about knowing your nutritional content. For when you want a taste of something sweet, dark chocolate chips are the way to go. As well as containing about 70 calories per quarter cup, dark chocolate can help to improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and keep your brain healthy. All the more reason to eat chocolate!