Time for Some Healthy Snacking

The American Heart Association recommends healthy snacking. Not only are the snacks below healthy, but most are easy to make and quite refreshing in this heat.

• Fruit Pops: Homemade freezer pops are an easy, fun treat for kids to make. Mash up fruit like peaches, grapes, berries or watermelon and put them in paper cups, insert a popsicle stick, freeze overnight and enjoy!
• Cool and Crisp: Keep a variety of colorful veggies on hand that stay cool and crunchy – baby carrots, cucumber slices and celery sticks are just a few examples.
• Fruit Smoothies: Blend your favorite fresh fruits with fat-free or low-fat yogurt and ice for a refreshing drink or freeze and eat with a spoon like a frozen ice chill.
• Mix it up: Make your own trail mix using your favorite unsalted, oil-free nuts, seeds and dried fruits (just be sure to keep servings to 1.5 ounces or 1/3 cup).

Just Slice and Serve: Summer is peak season for most fruits; just slice and serve – the whole family will enjoy the refreshing natural sweetness and juices just the way nature made ’em!

Instead of stopping off for some fast food, stop by your local farmers’ market and select some seasonal fresh fruit for your snacking.