7 Smart Snacks for Summer
June 22, 2017This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NatureMadeHealthPack #CollectiveBias
This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner.
During the summer, my family loves to spend time outdoors so we always rely on smart snack choices that we can take with us on the road. Today, I will share some of my family’s favorite low-sugar, wholesome snacks that are perfect for our on-the-go lifestyle. I’ll also be sharing details on how Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack from Sam’s Club encourages diabetics and pre-diabetics (insulin resistance runs in my family) to make smart choices for a healthy lifestyle. From exercising regularly to consuming plenty of fruits & veggies, making smart lifestyle choices is something that I’m passionate about.
My dad has suffered from insulin resistance for many years and I have witnessed firsthand all the struggles he has faced in managing this condition. One of the ways my dad has managed his health is with the Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack, which contains a key combination of essential nutrients for Diabetics and provides daily nutritional support for a Diabetic.† In fact, the Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack is actually the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Diabetic Multivitamin Supplement Brand!ǂ
7 Smart Snacks for Summer
Making small changes can make big impacts in one’s overall lifestyle. Here are some of my basic tips to have a fun, healthy summer:
- Get enough sleep! As a mom of two young kids, I’m not always able to get nine hours of sleep at night, but I do try to aim for at least 6-7 on most nights.
- Drink plenty of water! Especially during the summer, staying hydrated is super important so I try to infuse my water with fruits/herbs to give it a simply delicious flavor boost.
- Exercise regularly! I strive to do aerobic exercise on most days of the week to stay fit and active. Sometimes it will only include a long walk around the mall, but that counts too!
- Snack smart! It’s vital to choose snacks and meals wisely. I stick to plenty of fruits & veggies, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and whole-grain products. For smart snack solutions that are also portable, check out my top seven choices below.
1. Celery Sticks w/ Peanut Butter
I love the crunch of celery sticks paired with the creaminess of peanut butter. Peanut Butter (find an all-natural brand with no added sugar or oils) offers a satisfying amount of protein and it’s also a great source of monounsaturated (healthy) fat. This low-calorie snack is sure to satisfy those taste buds.
2. Apple Slices w/ Cinnamon
Apples are always a smart snack. Rather than adding honey to your apples, skip the extra calories and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top. It will add a subtle sweetness & spiciness that pairs well with the fresh flavor of apples.
3. Popcorn
Popcorn is a great everyday snack. Prepare it simply by air popping it and enjoying it plain (without extra butter or salt). It’s a whole grain food that’s also low in calories but high in fiber, making it a satisfying snack.
4. String Cheese
Looking for a savory snack? Opt for some low-fat string cheese. By sticking to just one stick, you will be keeping your portion size under control. By choosing a low-fat cheese, you will be keeping your calories in check.
5. Carrots w/ Ranch Dressing
Raw carrots paired with ranch dressing (use a low-fat variety) are a delicious, flavorful snack that’s also low in sugar. In general, raw veggies are always a smart choice thanks to their high water & fiber content.
6. Nuts
Want something crunchy? Nuts are a reasonable choice. Simply stick with a small handful at a time since they are calorie-dense foods. What I love most about nuts is that they are a great source of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
7. Whole-Grain Crackers w/ Hummus
When it comes to portable snacks, I love the convenience of whole-grain crackers. I usually like to serve it with a small dollop of protein-rich hummus. I simply throw the hummus into a small container and stack the crackers alongside it.
When it comes to managing any chronic condition, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. For example, the Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack is scientifically formulated to supply nutritional support for people with diabetes or prediabetes.† In fact, it offers all the essential vitamins and minerals for daily nutritional support.†
I love that it comes in this convenient, easy-to-dispense box with individually-wrapped packs. Did you know that Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack includes essential omega-3 fatty acids that help support a healthy heart?†
Since each pack is individually-wrapped, I can grab a few of these for convenient supplementation, even when I’m out of town for a few days. The Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack contains Fish Oil with Vitamin D3. Did you know that Fish oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA DHA, which help support a healthy heart?† Also included in the pack is Vitamin D, which supports bone, teeth, muscle and immune health.† Another important mineral that’s included in this pack is Magnesium, which participates in more than 300 reactions in the body and is essential for nerve, muscle and heart function. Magnesium also supports healthy bones and teeth and helps convert food to cellular energy.†
On the back of the box, I can easily match the picture of each pill and quickly identify each tablet or capsule. Another useful component of this nutritional health pack is Alpha Lipoic Acid with Green Tea, which provides antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals.†
Adding the Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack to my everyday routine has been an easy lifestyle change.
Ready to shop for smart snacks for your family? Before you head to Sam’s Club, I have a fabulous printable shopping list to share with you- simply click here to download it. Be sure to look for Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack at Sam’s Club. I was able to purchase mine online but many stores throughout the country also carry the product.
Would you like to experience the complete nutritional support of Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack? Does insulin resistance run in your family? What are your favorite portable snacks for summer?
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
ǂ Based on US News & World Report – Pharmacy Times Survey
I love these quick, easy snack ideas! With four kiddos, I always have to keep snacks on hand!
I’m always looking for lower sugar snacks and I always forget about the simple, yet yummy celery and peanut butter. We don’t have human diabetes in my family, but we are touched by it because our dog is diabetic. So important to support the needs of any diabetic.
These are all wonderful tips! I am learning how to eat healthier and one of the things that I’m having a hard time with this eating healthy snacks but ones that were actually satisfy too. I think I would like to try those hummus and crackers! That looks delicious.
My dad was diabetic, healthy eating is something I always have in my mind. Great snack ideas, summer is such a busy time having healthy snacks options is just smart.
I never knew they made those packs! That would be so helpful to have all of your recommended vitamins in one convenient package.
Those are great snack ideas. I’m always looking for easy snacks for us to take on the go, without sacrificing eating healthy. We don’t have insulin or diabetes issues in our family, but this sounds like a great formula to take.
Popcorn is a great snack. People don’t think about it, but it is actually a whole grain which is good for you!
Peanut butter and celery is one of my favorite snacks. My Dad is diabetic and the Nature Made Daily Diabetes Health Pack would be perfect for him.
I haven’t thought of thinking celery sticks w/ peanut butter as a summer snack. Such a great and healthy snack option.
All my favorite snacks! With the multiple syndromes I have I have to watch my sugars and choose low glycemic foods.
Celery sticks with peanut butter and popcorn are my go to snacks. I am gluten free and so I like to stick to the basics, like what you listed!
Such easy, quick snack ideas perfect for on the go mommies like me! I love peanut and celeries especially, so good!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful tips. The snacks are delicious and healthy to be eaten.
[…] 7 Smart Snacks for Summer – 1 freebie(s)? […]
We have made it a family mission to eat better. We are adopting a little buy who loves sugar and we have to work hard to ensure that is limited for him. We’ve been using a healthy meal planning program online. We too keep lots of fresh apples (I’ve never tried them with just cinnamon dusted on them), we dod popcorn in a brown bag in the microwave, hummus is a BIG love at our house too as well as string cheese.
I wish my kids would eat fresh celery as a snack. They love any other veggies though. .These are great list.
Those little packs are so convenient! It takes forever going through the bottles getting each pill I need. Handy!
These are all awesome snack ideas! I find that having some quick and healthy options ready to go helps everyone stay healthy in summer.
WHAAAT? Celery Sticks and Peanut Butter? Wow, who would know? 😉 I will definitely try this combination! 🙂
Such great tips, it’s so important to do whatever you can to keep yourself healthy! I love your snack ideas – hummus is one of my favorite things!
Carrots with ranch dressing is cool. I actually prefer mine with cucumbers and ranch yum!