We’re loving the lazy days of summer and being able to spend the morning, or the afternoon, or even the entire day just enjoying the pool or a local park! We always make sure our bag has sunscreen and bug spray, but we certainly can’t leave the house without plenty of food and water for the day’s events – especially when the temperature begins to creep over 90. Here are some of our favorite easy and healthy summer snacks that you can pack for your family no matter where you’re headed for the day!
Pre-sliced Vegetables with Hummus
Wash and chop carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers and any other veggies your kids will eat. Take a disposable or reusable cup with a top on it and place a few spoonfuls of hummus at the bottom and then stack the veggies on top. Cover and pack on ice for a quick, cool snack that requires no utensils. (Image from here.)
Pre-sliced Fruit with Yogurt
You can do the same treatment with fruit and yogurt, too! Just pre-slice fruit like melon, apples and oranges and stack on top of Greek yogurt with a little honey added.
Trail Mix
This is a great snack as you never have to make it the same way twice! Plus, it’s an easy way to add in protein to keep your kids full for a longer period of time. Here are some of our favorite mix-ins: raisins, dried apricots, almonds, peanuts, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, dried cherries, oat cereal, cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, mini pretzels and peanut butter chips. Try to include a dried fruit, nut and seed in each serving for maximum nutritional impact. (Image from here.)
Homemade Energy Bars
Containing only three ingredients, you don’t need to bake these energy bars and you avoid the add-ins that often plaque the store-bought varieties. (Original recipe found here.)
Ingredients:
1 cup nuts
1 cup dried fruit
1 cup pitted dried dates
Combine the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until ingredients are mixed. Continue to process until a ball is formed, usually about 1-2 minutes. Dump onto your work surface and press into a large square. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Remove and unwrap then cut into bars. Keep in the fridge until you need to pack them for your outing!
What is your favorite snack to pack for the pool or park?
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