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New Snacks & Treats for Spring

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Springtime brings a fresh burst of energy and the perfect opportunity to revitalize your snack routine. Say goodbye to the heavy comfort foods of winter and hello to a season of lighter, healthier, and downright delicious options. From kids to parents, these new snack ideas are sure to brighten your family’s day and keep everyone happily munching!

Garden Veggie Snacks Spring Eggs

Spring has sprung, and so have fun, festive flavors for the whole family to enjoy! Garden Veggie Snacks Spring Eggs are the perfect snack to enjoy during the season – crunchy, colorful, and tasty. These bright, crispy veggie chips make a great addition to lunch boxes, Easter baskets, and on-the-go snacking, keeping snack time exciting. With 30% less fat than leading potato chips and no artificial flavors or preservatives, they’re a better-for-you Easter treat the whole family will love. Conveniently packed for easy snacking, Spring Eggs are a delicious choice for Easter celebrations or everyday springtime enjoyment. Gluten-Free and Certified Kosher. Garden Veggie Snacks Spring Eggs are available nationwide at retailers like Target ($8.39 for a 12-count of 6oz bags) Walmart ($24.99 for a 40-count of 0.5oz bags), and Amazon ($21.00 for a 20-count of 0.5oz bags).

Earth’s Best Organic® Immune Support Yogurt Smoothie

Crafted with a simple blend of ingredients, like Organic Banana puree and Organic Orange puree, Organic Pineapple puree, the Organic® Immune Support Yogurt Smoothie is a delicious snack both you and your toddler will love. For ages 24+ months and up. Pack of 3, 4 oz resealable pouches retail for $6.56 at Walmart. 

Earth’s Best Frozen Mini Homestyle Pancakes & Frozen Mini Blueberry Pancakes

Earth’s Best Organic® Frozen Homestyle Mini Pancakes are made with organic ingredients, including organic whole wheat flour. For a wholesome breakfast that’s convenient for parents, and yummy and fun for little ones 2+ years. This simple, nutritious option for breakfast makes busy mornings a breeze – simply add sliced fruit and a yogurt pouch on the side for a complete, healthy meal! Find Earth’s Best at Walmart and Amazon.

Mooala Simple

A leading organic plant-based milk brand with a strong emphasis on regenerative farming practices. All of Mooala’s family-friendly plant-based milks and creamers are certified USDA-organic, which means they are never made with GMOs, herbicides, preservatives or toxic chemicals. With Mooala, you can rest easy knowing the ingredients are ethically sourced, quality and the milks are always organic. The brand introduced its Simple line in August, the first-ever organic, shelf-stable plant-based milk made with just three ingredients; organic almonds/oats, filtered water and salt. It’s as simple as that. Just organic goodness! Now, they’re expanding their product line with more flavors and variations of the Simple line, offering even greater variety and convenience launching a single serve line, which is sold at an SRP of $35.99 for a 12 pack/ 8oz. You can find Mooala at Target, Whole Foods Market, Amazon, Publix, ALDI and Sprouts. Visit Mooala to learn more.

Blue Stripes

Blue Stripes is a brand on a mission to transform the chocolate industry into the cacao industry by upcycling the whole cacao pod (fruit, shell AND beans) to create delicious, environmentally conscious and nutrient-dense products. From Superfruit Cacao Gummies to whole cacao chocolate bars and everything in between, Blue Stripes is setting the stage for a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem that addresses both environmental and consumer needs. My older children are loving their delicious trail mixes, especially their Mango Macadamia Trail Mix! You can find Blue Striped at Amazon, Whole Foods Market and Sprouts. Visit Blue Stripes to learn more.

Little Bellies Organic Veggie Tubes

For a simple, nourishing snack, Little Bellies Organic Veggie Tubes mixed veggie & corn tubes are baked for a crunchier texture, are certified organic & non-GMO. Not sweetened or salted, and baked, not fried. These snacks for little ones are perfect for tucking into your diaper bag or purse for on-the-go, as well as great for placing in lunchboxes for daycare or preschool! You can find Little Bellies on Amazon. Visit www.littlebellies.com.

Little Bellies Organic Animal Crackers

Delicious and wholesome wholegrain Animal Crackers for both little and big kids, naturally sweetened with grape juice concentrate and free from added salt. A perfect balance of soft, chewy and crunchy to satisfy even the most picky eaters. Team up well with fruit, nuts, avocado, cheese and protein for a wholesome, yummy lunchbox for busy tots on the go! These are definitely a hit at our home! You can find Little Bellies on Amazon. Visit www.littlebellies.com.

Hippeas x Grillo’s Dill Puffs

Grillo’s Pickles, the cult-favorite pickle brand known for its fresh and crisp spears, has teamed up with Hippeas, the popular savory snack brand, to create the ultimate salty and crunchy treat, Dill Pickle Puffs. Hippeas x Grillo’s Dill Pickle Puffs are made with real, wholesome ingredients like chickpea flour, rice flour, yellow pea flour, white vinegar powder, dehydrated dill, and garlic powder, this snack delivers the perfect balance of crisp, briny, and mouthwateringly delicious flavor. They also are gluten free, vegan and have 3-4 gram of protein per serving with 3 g of fiber. This collaboration is a perfect match—Grillo’s bringing a bold, briny pickle flavor, while Hippeas delivers its signature crunchy texture, making this snack a must-try for pickle lovers and snack fans alike. You can find the Hippeas x Grillo’s Dill Puffs at Sprouts, Amazon and Hippeas’s online store now and will be available at Stop & Shop, Wakefern soon.

About the Author

Ms. Johnson is a Mom of 4, a Seasoned Freelance Journalist, Publicist and Lifestyle Expert with a career spanning almost 20 years in the industry. She is passionate about fitness, health and wellness. She has written her own website, Tiny Green Mom, since 2010, which highlights parenting and all things ‘green,’ from tips on living a healthier lifestyle to the latest eco-friendly products for the entire family.

As a Freelance Journalist, Ms. Johnson has written for a multitude of publications, including Medium, SheKnows.com, Tiny Beans, and more! In addition, she can be found on TV stations across the country as a Lifestyle Expert, speaking about all of her favorite brands and companies. 

You can follow her on Instagram @TinyGreenMom.

*Companies generously gifted samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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10 Delicious Food Finds for National Nutrition Month

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We’ve rounded up the most nutritious & delicious snacks & foods to add to your day during March, National Nutrition Month & beyond!

Jessica’s Granola

Delicious and flavorful, this premium gluten-free artisan granola is handmade in small batches and contains wholesome ingredients like ground flax seed and coconut. It’s baked at a low temperature to bring out its natural flavor and crunch. Enjoy it by the handful or top yogurt, smoothie bowls, oatmeal and more! Available in 8 mouthwatering gluten-free varieties, including Chocolate Chip Granola, Vanilla Maple Granola, Almond Cherry Granola, Cherry & Berry Granola, Pecan Almond Granola, Chocolate Hazelnut Granola, Almond Butter Granola, and Butterscotch Chip Granola. Jessica’s Granola is Non-GMO project verified, Gluten-free certified (GFCO), and Kosher (OUD). Learn more at www.JessicasNaturalFoods.com.

Amazontella

It’s easy to bring the benefits of the Amazon rainforest directly to your table with the new, organic superfruit spreads from Amazontella. Choose from Cupuacu Fruit Spread, Acai Fruit Spread and Cupuacu Pepper Fruit Spread, all 100% made from fruit sourced directly from the Amazon rainforest. Delight your senses and reap the benefits of antioxidant-rich superfruits only found in the Amazon… easily spread on toast, cheese, fruit, or added to a charcuterie board. 5% of the profits will be donated to indigenous communities in the Amazonas state, where Founder Ludmila Azevedo was born. Learn more at www.Amazontella.com. 

Luji’s Chocolate

Introducing Luji’s (“Loo – geez”) Chocolate, which is deliciously grown, crafted and packaged from bean to bar in West Africa and made with unique ingredients from the region. When you purchase a Luji’s bar, they’ll deliver cocoa tree seedlings to a cocoa farmer where the cocoa is sourced. Dedicated to creating the finest chocolate that celebrates the unique flavors of West Africa, Luji’s Chocolate mission is to blend exquisite taste with authentic regional ingredients, crafting a chocolate experience that’s truly West African at heart. In addition to creating mouthwatering chocolate, they are also adding value to the local economy where our chocolate comes from. The Luji’s sampler set includes 4 chocolate bars in a set, Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate, as well as 2 specialty flavors, Ginger Plantain Crunch & Spicy Suya. All of the bars are single origin & 100% made in West Africa. Each flavor is in beautifully designed packaging that puts the Luji’s mission at the very center. Learn more at www.lujischocolate.com. 

Moon Fruit Snacks

Naturally sweet and deliciously crunchy, Moon Fruit Snacks are out of this world! With 1/3 cup of whole fruit per serving, the snacks are bursting with flavor and offer an easy, healthy snack choice for families on-the-go. These fruit smoothie snacks offer a BIG crunch that kids (and adults!) will love noshing on! The freeze-dried fruit snacks are available in three delightful flavors, including Straw-Bana, Blended Berry Blast, and Apple Cinnamon. Moon Fruit Snacks contain no added sugar, no artificial preservatives, no artificial colors, and no artificial flavors. Plus, the snacks are gluten-free! Moon Fruit Snacks are available on their website and on Amazon.com. Learn more at https://moonfruitsnacks.com/.

Oat Boss Granola Butter 

Move over nut butter alternatives, Oat Boss Granola Butter has made its’ debut! Free of the top 8 Allergens, this delightful & creamy healthy alternative to nut & seed butters will be your new favorite. Granola Butter is a delicious fiber-rich fusion of the wholesome goodness of granola and the creamy indulgence of a spread. Go on – drizzle, blend or spoon it out for breakfast, a healthy snack or an after-dinner treat! You can choose from 6 delicious varieties, including Original, Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge, Donut and Shortbread. Only 6 grams of sugar per serving, and 100% Nut & Seed Free, 100% Gluten Free, Soy Free & Non-GMO. Learn more at www.oatboss.com. 

Atoria’s Family Bakery

Atoria’s Family Bakery offerings are perfect for wraps, pinwheels, flatbread pizza, panini, dips, chips and any meal or snack throughout the day. Non-GMO and Vegan, the tasty varieties include New Cinnanaan Mini Naan, New Traditional Mini Naan Flatbread, Whole Grain & Flax Mini Lavash Flatbread, Traditional Flatbread, Garlic Naan Flatbread, Pita with Whole Grain Flatbread, Traditional Pita Flatbread and more. Learn more at https://www.atoriasfamilybakery.com/.

Hummus Goodness

Dip in and indulge! Hummus Goodness is proud to be a women-owned Michigan company dedicated to providing fresh and delicious hummus. The hummus is made fresh weekly in small batches to ensure top quality and impeccable consistency, using only real ingredients that you can trust. The hummus is made with no citric acid, hydrogenated oils and artificial preservatives like potassium sorbate. Instead, each hummus is made with ingredients like garbanzo beans, tahini, fresh lemon juice and olive oil, so you can enjoy the goodness of hummus with taste and nutrition in mind. Seven robust flavors of hummus are available, including Classic Hummus, Roasted Garlic Hummus, Beet Hummus, Taco Hummus, Spicy Hummus, Balsamic Hummus & Pickle Hummus. Learn more at www.hummusgoodness.com. 

Wiley Wallaby 

Wiley Wallaby offers soft and chewy licorice that satisfies cravings for something sweet! Wiley Wallaby Licorice is fat free, vegan, and does not contain artificial colors and flavors. Plus, each piece is thick, chunky and super-soft, making this gourmet licorice a favorite! Mouthwatering options include Hot Cinnamon, Classic Red (always a favorite!), Green Apple, Watermelon and more. Learn more at www.wileywallaby.com.

Sweet Chaos Popcorn 

From spicy to sweet, Sweet Chaos Popcorn offers a delicious variety of gluten-free choices to nosh on during movie nights at home or for keeping in your desk drawer at work! Sweet Chaos hand pops their Non-GMO kernels in coconut oil for a creamy richness while skipping the nasty, artificial stuff. Exciting flavors include Movie Theater Butter, Sea Salt, Jalapeno Blue Cheese, Kettle Corn and White Cheddar. Learn more at www.sweetchaos.com.

Krack’d Snacks

Recapture your energy and revitalize your life with Krack’d Snacks! You deserve to snack without guilt, and all treats from Krack’d Snacks are made using simple ingredients to create a simple indulgence without the guilt. You’ll never have to worry about any added sugar, preservatives or artificial ingredients. Satisfy your cravings without compromising health goals. The snacks are a perfect addition to your daily routine, whether you’re on-the-go, at work, or enjoying a cozy evening at home! Among other treats, choose from 4 delicious keto and vegan bars, including Caramel Green Apple PB Crunch, Dark Chocolate Aloha Caramel, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Crunch, and Limited-Edition Birthday Cake Flavor Peanut Butter Caramel Crunch. Learn more at www.krackdsnacks.com.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Add Fiber to Your Diet – For Good Health

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It may not be the first thing most people think about when it comes to looking fit and living healthfully, but dietary fiber can be good for just about every, well, fiber of your being. These facts may provide you with some food for thought on adding more fiber to your diet.

How To Add Fiber To Your Diet

It’s wise to get fiber from the food you eat. To do so, pick foods that are naturally high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and products that have been fortified with added fiber. Read the labels of the foods you buy and try to find those that provide 10 percent or more of the Daily Value for fiber. Eat a variety of different types of dietary fibers to get all of the benefits dietary fibers have to offer.

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find foods that are high in fiber. Lately, the food industry has begun adding dietary fibers to a myriad of foods and beverages that people enjoy every day. Added dietary fibers can now be found in yogurt, cereals, breads, fruit juices, milk, tortillas, baked goods, and nutrition supplement bars and beverages.

However, it’s important to remember that people should try to eat a variety of different types of dietary fibers to get all the benefits that dietary fibers have to offer.

Why To Add Fiber To Your Diet

The health benefits of dietary fiber include:

• Weight management: Scientific studies consistently show that the more fiber in your diet, the lower your risk of obesity.

• Improved digestion: Some dietary fibers can help regulate your digestion and help your intestines defend you from germs.

• Lower cholesterol: Certain dietary fibers reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to lower blood cholesterol.

• Reduced glycemic response: Some dietary fibers can slow down the absorption of glucose and lower the glycemic effect of food.

• Healthy microflora: Some dietary fibers can give a boost to the beneficial bacteria in the intestine (and defeat the bad ones) to help them fight inflammation and possibly even cancer.

• Increased mineral absorption: Certain dietary fibers help the body to better absorb minerals, especially calcium.

• Increased insulin sensitivity: Some dietary fibers have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.

• Increased satiety: Research suggests that some fibers can encourage the body to produce hormones that leave you feeling fuller, longer.

No single fiber or food provides all of these necessary health benefits. So you need to eat a wide variety of fiber-containing foods to improve your well-being.

Where To Learn More

For further information on fiber, visit www.fiberfacts.org.

*Article courtesy of NAPS. Image provided by FreeDigitalPhotos.*

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Smart Snacking with Nutritious Avocados

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Americans’ snacking is on the rise, with snacks making up about half of all eating occasions, according to a recent report from the Hartman Group. The good news is that snacking can be part of a healthy eating plan, as snacks can provide energy between meals and supply essential nutrients.

Nutrient-dense California avocados, which are only in season from spring to fall, are delicious, good for you and can be an excellent ingredient in just about any snack. The fruit is a naturally nutritious super-food, and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, along with “good” monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, to one’s diet. Additionally, avocados add a creamy and delicious flavor to snacks or mini-meals without adding sodium or cholesterol.

Registered Dietitian Katie Ferraro, MPH, RD, CDE, loves incorporating California avocados into meals and snacks for their nutritional benefits. She has partnered with the California Avocado Commission to create some easy snack recipes featuring the fruit.

“Every year, I look forward to California avocado season, because they lend themselves to so many different preparations—especially when it comes to snacks,” says Ferraro.

She’s come up with some easy snack recipes featuring the fruit. Each recipe has less than 100 calories per serving and can be great for on-the-go snacking.

For other recipes that feature fresh California avocados, including additional snacking recipes developed by Katie Ferraro, visit the California Avocado Commission website at CaliforniaAvocado.com.

 

California Avocado Cucumber Cups

Ingredients

1 English cucumber
½ ripe, fresh California avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
¼ cup diced red bell pepper
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. diced cilantro
½ tsp. cumin
¼ tsp. salt

Preparation

1. Chop off ends of cucumber and discard. Cut cucumber into 12 equal-sized round slices (approximately 1” width slices). Using a melon baller, scoop out center of cucumber slices, leaving enough cucumber on the bottom for the base. Set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, mash avocado and add bell pepper, lime juice, cilantro, cumin and salt. Stir to combine.

3. Place avocado mixture in a small, sandwich-sized plastic bag. Snip off one bottom corner of bag and squeeze avocado mixture into hollowed-out cucumber slices.

Serves 2.

 

 

Power Hour Pick-Me-Up Smoothie

Ingredients

¼ ripe, fresh California avocado, seeded, peeled and diced
1 Tbsp. minced ginger
½ cup frozen mango cubes
⅓ cup plain, nonfat yogurt
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Cayenne pepper, to taste
1 cup water
1 cup ice cubes

Prepaartion

1. Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.

2. Serve immediately.

*Article and images courtesy of NAPS.*

Serves 2.

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ProBugs™ – Organic Kefir for Kids

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Encourage healthy digestion and a nutritious alternative to all of the sugary treats and eats this holiday season with ProBugs™, Lifeway Food’s kid friendly version of their organic Kefir! In an individual serving size pack, ProBugs is a fantastic way for kids to enjoy a nutritious smoothie-type drink on-the-go!

Available in four kid-pleasing flavors, including Goo-Berry Pie, Orange Creamy Crawler, Strawnana Split & Sublime Slime Lime, ProBugs is rich in “friendly bugs” and “probiotics” that help to increase the level of good bacteria in children’s digestive systems and promote overall healthy digestion. Sold in 4-packs, these are great for tucking into a lunch box for school, or placing within reach inside the refrigerator as a go-to mid-afternoon snack, your little ones will love this good-for-you drink!

Interested in learning more about the benefits of probiotics? Visit the Health & Wellness section on the Lifeway website!

To locate a retailer near you that sells ProBugs™, visit Lifeway.net.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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Reading Food Labels: Are Your Kids Getting the Proper Nutrition?

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Reading Food Labels: Are Your Kids Getting the Proper Nutrition?

Most parents have a pretty good idea of what is good for their kids and what isn’t. On the “good” list are natural foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and lean meats. Items like chips, candy, and soda, on the other hand, get relegated to the “bad” list. But there are a whole host of food items that land in the nebulous in-between area. Are granola bars good for your kids? What about processed luncheon meats? Is whole grain white bread equivalent to wheat? Natural juices still have a lot of sugar; is that okay? There are plenty of pertinent questions to ask when it comes to the food you provide for your children and sometimes it can be difficult to tell what is good and what isn’t. So here are a few guidelines to follow when reading the labels.

First and foremost, you should address the issue of additives. Since it has been determined that canned or frozen items can retain all the nutrients of fresh, the major detractor to buying these less expensive items is all the extras that are crammed in there. Sodium is an extremely common preservative, but when you start adding up how much your child eats in a day, you may be shocked to find that they’re getting two or three times as much as the recommended amount (or even more). Then there are chemical preservatives and artificial colors and flavors to contend with, not to mention the ingredients on the list that you can’t even decipher (much less figure out what they’re contributing to nutritional value). Your best bet is to go organic to avoid these items whenever possible. You might also look for “natural” products, but there is no guarantee of this claim, while items that bear the USDA Certified Organic label come with authentication.

Next you’ll want to look at the content of fat, sugar, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber listed. Starting with fats, you’ll want to go for fairly low numbers. Although some fat in the diet is necessary and good, certain fats are better than others. Trans fats are out, saturated fats are not very good, and unsaturated fats are considered the best (although they should be consumed in moderation). Sugars should also be avoided when possible (or found in natural sources like fruits), while carbohydrates and protein are our main source of fuel, meaning they can generally be consumed in larger quantities. As for fiber, most people simply don’t get enough. So high-fiber foods like whole grains should be considered part of a healthy diet (they also help to prevent the absorption of some fats, making them twice as good for your kids).

Finally, see if your food items have high levels of vitamins and minerals that kids need to grow and function properly. You may want to consider giving a daily supplemental vitamin, since most kids don’t eat enough food (of any type) to cover the bases. But you can certainly try to give them as many natural sources of vitamins as possible.

About the Author

Sarah Danielson writes for SeaReach Labels where you can find custom security labels and stickers.

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7 Healthy Summer Nutrition Tips

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Healthy Summer Nutrition Tips from Funky Monkey Snacks

1. Get Your Fill of Water. Hydration is critical, especially in the southern states where the sudden transition from air conditioning to high heat can shock the body. To help avoid muscle cramps and headaches—and to nourish skin—drink plenty of liquids, especially water. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition outlines the following choices along with the maximum recommended daily eight-ounce servings: water (9 for women, 13 for men), unsweetened tea (8), unsweetened coffee (4), diet sodas and calorie-free beverages (4), skim or low-fat milk (2), 100% fruit juices, whole milk, or sports drinks (1), soft drinks or juice drinks (1).

2. Find a Farmer. There isn’t a better time of year to visit local farmers markets where an amazing array of healthy produce awaits. Many vegetables are high in nutrients and fiber—kale, chard, and mustard greens offer Vitamins C and E, which are good for eyes strained by the sun. Potassium-rich potatoes and spinach help avoid muscle cramps as well. Try putting vegetables on the backyard grill along with your main course for a special treat.

3. Up Your Fruit Quotient. The sun can wreak havoc on skin during outdoor activities. To nourish skin, complement your increased water intake with fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, all of which have antioxidants and vitamin C. Bananas are also good sources of potassium; make smoothies or fruit kabobs to add variety. Freeze-dried Funky Monkey™ Snacks are also a good fruit alternative—crunchy, bite-sized 100% real fruit snacks that are nutritionally equivalent to their fresh fruit counterparts and made with bananas, pineapples, apples, papaya, raisins, and açai.

4. Lighter is Better. Eating smaller meals more often is always a good idea, but especially in summer when people tend to miss eating at meal times or are suddenly presented with a picnic or party smorgasbord. Lighter fare is also a good way to get nutrients without excessive calories—make gazpacho or other cold soups, and try BBQ alternatives like turkey or skinless, marinated chicken. Chili is another convenient and fun summertime entrée; make a potful in advance, using nutrient-rich chicken or vegetables, so it’s on hand when no one feels like cooking.

5. Go Fishing. Fish, along with lean meats, beans, chickpeas, and soy products, are all high in protein, making them great not only for muscle development, but also to help hair that is overcome by exposure to sunlight and saltwater. Grill fish for a great summertime meal—and while you’re at it, up your consumption of eggs, another important source of protein.

6. Limit High Calorie Treats. It’s easy to make ice cream a habit during warm weather, but ice cream, not to mention cookies, popsicles, pies and fried desserts, can add fat and calories much faster than increased summertime activity can work off. Newer low-fat versions of ice cream or sorbet are better-tasting than ever; another alternative is to eat a healthy meal and then plan an after-dinner diversion to take everyone’s mind off big desserts.

7. Think About the Kids. Erratic eating can be especially hard on children during the summer—and their demand for treats can ruin anyone’s commitment to good nutrition. Try to maintain a regular meal schedule as much as possible, and keep only healthy snacks in the house, so no one is tempted. Having healthy snacks in the car at all times also helps when kids suddenly start complaining. Funky Monkey Snacks are easy to carry and better for kids than dried fruit or fruit snacks (dried fruit does not preserve all the nutrients of fresh fruit, and fruit snacks often contain added sugars, colors, flavors and preservatives.)

*Image and article courtesy of Funky Monkey Snacks.*

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