This spring, to help you plan for successful snacking we’re featuring a series celebrating healthy munchies. With #SnackSmart, you’ll get quick and easy ideas for foods to eat when you need something STAT, but aren’t ready for a complete meal. We’ve been putting together a list of all of our go-tos and hope you’ll find some new favorites, too.
If you’ve been checking out our blog lately you know we’re enjoying the warmer weather summer brings – and the fact that warmer weather means we can indulge in refreshing frozen foods! Today we’re rounding up 10 snacks we love to nibble on that are fresh, fruity and frosty bites. These are great go-to snacks for any season, but are exceptional on a warm day!
#1 – Yogurt Bark
Hello and welcome to our latest obsession. You know those “bark” candies that are popular at the holidays? Peppermint bark, etc.? Well this is kind of like that only cold, healthy and perfect in any season. All you need is Greek yogurt, some sweetener if your yogurt is plain (honey, maple syrup, Stevia, etc.) and chopped fruit and nuts. Simply line a freezer safe dish with foil and cooking spray. Mix your yogurt with your sweetener of choice, if using, and pour into prepared pan. Top with a handful of chopped nuts and another handful of chopped fresh or dried fruit. Berries and cherries work really well with this! Freeze for at least four hours, then break into pieces and devour with glee. Store leftovers (if any) in the freezer.
#2 – Fresh Frozen Fruit
We talked about this back when we were looking for sweet snacks and we stand by it as being a great go-to for warmer weather days! Lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper and freezing washed berries, washed and pitted cherries and peach wedges are excellent ideas. We’ve also learned that melon cubes and mango slices also freeze exceptionally well and taste amazing. Another hit? Slices of citrus fruit (leave the skin on) – you need to try it to believe it. So hit your farmers’ markets and buy what’s in season, what you don’t eat quickly you can freeze for a super yummy snack later!
#3 – Date Nut Balls
These are great at room temperature, but a terrific treat when frozen! In a food processor, simply grind ¾ cup of roasted nuts with 3-4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Then add 1 cup of pitted medjool dates and a teaspoon or so of vanilla extract and blitz until the mixture starts sticking together. With wet hands, squeeze and roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls and keep in the freezer for healthy and delicious nibbling all week long.
#4, #5 and #6 – Grapes, Three Ways!
Okay guys, these are super simple ways to get maximum bang for buck when you are buying grapes this summer. Stick with your favorite method or try all three ideas to find a new fruity and frozen snack!
#4 – Frozen Grapes - just wash and dry and pop in the freezer on a lined cookie sheet. Once frozen, store in a freezer safe container or bag until ready to eat.
#5 – Frozen Yogurt Grapes - wash and dry grapes, then submerge in your favorite yogurt (we find a toothpick method is easier than fishing out the grapes with utensils). Pick out the grapes one-by-one and pick on a lined cookie sheet. Freeze until completely frozen and store in a freezer-safe container.
#6 – Grape Popsicles - wash and dry your grapes and using a high-speed blender, puree them until completely and entirely smooth. No seeds allowed here! Pour the puree into popsicle molds and freeze completely before enjoying (about four hours).
#7 – Parfait Popsicles
If you saw our #SnackSmart Breakfast post then this won’t blow your mind, but still check out this awesome idea from The Kitchn. Simply mix your granola into yogurt and layer in a popsicle mold with fresh fruit or jam. Then freeze and enjoy a refreshing sack whenever you want! (Note: making iced coffee popsicles isn’t a terrible idea to go along with these, either!)
#8 and #9 – Bananas, Two Ways!
If you haven’t jumped on the frozen banana train you don’t know what you’re missing! Try these out the next time you have bananas that are really spotty and brown.
#8 – Banana Bon Bons - peel banana, cut into 1-inch chunks and freeze until firm. Then, one-by-one, dip each banana chunk into melted semi-sweet, bittersweet or dark chocolate (we like using a toothpick to keep this part tidy). You can then dip the chocolate covered banana in chopped nuts or coconut flakes to really jazz it up.
#9 – Banana Soft Serve - peel banana, cut into 1-inch chunks and free until firm. Using a high-speed blender or food processor, blitz the banana until smooth and TA DA: soft serve. Make this even more delish by adding vanilla extract and chopped walnuts. Or a tablespoon or so of cocoa powder to every 2 bananas you are using. Or swirl in your favorite nut butter or blitz up with berries – or both! Really, your options are endless!
#10 – Smoothies and Smoothie Pops
An obvious but perfect option for a fruit and frosty snack is a smoothie. We know this isn’t a revolutionary idea, but we do love reaching for a smoothie when we’re in need of a boost that’s filling and fueling! Check out this delish vanilla version that happens to be Paleo, or this blend of berries or this power-packed green smoothie, for recipe ideas. Pro tip: make a big smoothie for breakfast and then pour any leftover liquid into a popsicle mold for a snack later in the day or a healthy after-dinner treat.
Not into sweet snacks? Check out our list of favorite savory options, or perfect bites for kids in our other #SnackSmart features!
What’s your favorite refreshing fruit-filled and frozen snack when the weather is warm? Tell us in the comments below!
Make it Happen,
– Team FitStar
The post #SnackSmart This Spring With 10 Fruity And Frosty Bites appeared first on FitStar - Inspiring people to live healthier lives.