It seems like the summer weather has been so unpredictable lately. One day it’s beautiful, the next it’s rainy and cold. Being that summer is officially here now I have not really enjoyed how sporadic the nice weather has been! But if there is one thing that is predictable it’s that my summer schedule is usually pretty chaotic. With busy weekdays and full weekends, it just seems like summer tends to by!
Like I said, my summer is traditionally pretty busy. I find myself running here and there, finding that I don’t have much time to cook at home. And with eating out tends to come eating less healthy than I should. It can be really difficult to find healthy options when you’re always on the go or if you’re at a sporting event or the beach but if you take the time to prepare your meals or snacks ahead of time you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier summer!
So here’s the deal: you find yourself at the beach or a baseball game with only a concession stand as your meal option. Do you choose the nachos or the hot dog? The answer is neither. You pack a lunch and enjoy a light Popsicle as a treat! There are a lot of quick meal ideas that can be perfect to bring to your outdoor summer events. Here are just a few: •Top on the list is my Summer Poppy Seed Salad featuring Litehouse Poppyseed dressing. This salad packs in the nutrient rich greens of spinach and a helping of fruit and nuts for a sweet and savory taste. Topped off with grilled chicken, you have yourself a protein packed feast! •Basil Lime Fruit Kabobs are perfect for a treat while you’re sitting under the sun at the beach. They are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and the kids will love that they’re so simple to grab and eat! •Packing healthy foods for a kid friendly picnic is also a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and spend time together. Rolling up vegetables and deli meat in a tortilla is fun and easy for kids to eat and they work great for an on-the-go lunch. •In case you weren’t aware, most sports venues allow you to bring in food. And while I love a good batch of stadium popcorn, it isn’t exactly low in calories. I love to pack bags of my own crunchy snacks to enjoy while people-watching! These Coconut Basil Lime Roasted Chickpeas will keep your mouth busy and your salty tooth satisfied!
Summer doesn’t have to mean throwing away the diet and eating endless hot dogs and junk food. If you plan ahead you can prepare meals that are fun and delicious for your entire family.