Looking for a healthy way to cool down this summer? It can be so easy to opt for cold, sugary treats during a day at the beach or by the pool. Ice cream, popsicles, and sugar-packed drinks are all too tempting. It’s important that you stick to your healthy diet, so you can achieve the best weight loss results! To help you curb those cravings during a beautiful summer day, here are four healthy treats you can try today!
1. Skinny Cranberry Slushie
Avoid store-bought slushies that are filled with added sugar! Here’s a refreshing recipe that you can create right from your own kitchen. All you need is a blender, cranberry juice, and some ice cubes! Simply add half a cup of cranberry juice (you can use sugar-free if you would like) and one cup of ice to your blender. Blend until smooth, and enjoy!
Multiply this recipe so the entire family can enjoy!
2. Chilled Cucumber Soup
Wait a minute, isn’t this article about healthy summer treats to help cool you down? How will soup cool you down?
Oh wait, chilled cucumber soup! That explains it. Just about anybody who has ever tried chilled cucumber soup can agree that it can be an absolutely refreshing snack or meal.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 green onion, diced
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp. fresh dill
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salted herbs
Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend evenly until smooth. Add to a large plastic or glass container and seal with a lid. Refrigerate for at least four hours, if not a little longer. This recipe serves as a main dish for 1, or 2-3 people as an appetizer. Serve with cucumber and enjoy!
3. Savoury Summer Skewers
Summer skewers are generally pretty easy to make and are an absolute crowd pleaser. You can easily prepare these and bring them to any summer backyard BBQ or party for a healthy snack. Plus, each skewer can be a little different from the next – so everybody can enjoy something they like!
Fruit skewers are quite popular and simple to make. First, choose the different fruits and berries you would like to use. You can use a combination of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, watermelon, and even grapes! For added flavour, marinate your chopped fruits in honey overnight for a boost of sweetness!
Cheese can make a fabulous addition to any summer skewer. Try adding a ball of bocconcini cheese or a slice of mozzarella. For the best results, keep it simple and combine these cheeses with slices of watermelon and/or cherry tomatoes. Yum!
4. Frozen Grapes
Frozen grapes, how can something so simple be so delicious?
Head to the grocery store and find the best bag of grapes you can find (avoid bunches of grapes that are squished or look a little wrinkly). Rinse them evenly in your sink using a strainer or colander. Remove all the grapes from their stems and pat dry them. Add them to a bowl or plastic container with a lid, and freeze for several hours or overnight. Enjoy as a light and refreshing snack, or even add them to a beverage!