Summertime brings all sorts of experiences—more time in the sun, cottage weekends…and high-fat temptations. It’s hard to ignore that ice cream truck, but this season it’s time to indulge in a few healthy alternatives to summer classics.
1. Ice Cream
Summertime means chasing down the ice cream truck, but you may want to resist the music if you’re watching calories this season. Not only is ice cream loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, but it’s also easy to eat through a chunk of your daily caloric goal. The prices are ridiculous nowadays, too…
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2. Butter Popcorn
Summer movies call for summer popcorn—which is fine once you ditch all the butter. Butter, high-fat add-ons, and butter-flavored drizzle all contribute to weight gain and high cholesterol, so avoid snacking too often in the theater.
3. Mozzarella Sticks
Patios everywhere open their doors in the summertime, which means a round of drinks and apps! However, mozza sticks are best avoided as they’re deep-fried and loaded with cheese. Regular consumption of saturated fats and calories can lead to an increased risk of weight gain and heart-related health concerns.
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4. Loaded Nachos
Speaking of classic pub food, loaded nachos are often a people-pleasing go-to—it’s hard for friend groups to resist the sour cream, guacamole, and cheese. A moderate indulgence isn’t the end of the world, but frequent platters mean frequent consumption of fat and calories.
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5. Calamari
Seafood may be healthy, but don’t let that coerce you into the fried stuff. Breaded and deep-fried dishes like calamari have a high fat content and frequent ordering not only increases your calorie intake but can spike cholesterol levels, too.
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6. Milkshakes
Though there are healthier recipes out there, most summer milkshakes include whole milk, ice cream, and various syrups—great tasting, but not great for you. All that fat and sugar quickly increases calorie intake and may cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
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7. Churros
Whether it be in restaurants or from food trucks, who doesn’t love a good summertime churro? There’s no shame in indulging throughout the season, just don’t eat too many as these deep-fried pastries are coated in sugar and packed with unhealthy fats.
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8. Buffalo Wings
Chicken wings can be good for you, but the pub-style varieties definitely aren’t. We hate to break it to you, but they’re often deep-fried, coated in sauce, oily, and high in saturated fats…so it’s probably best not to indulge too much this season.
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9. Queso Dip
When salsa and guacamole don’t do it for you, there’s always the beloved queso dip. While we can’t fault you for dousing your tortilla chips, we can provide a gentle reminder that queso is high in fat and can contribute to high cholesterol and a greater risk of diabetes.
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10. Summer Cocktails
The summer isn’t complete without a refreshing beverage—even if that beverage is filled with sugar and empty calories. The odd cocktail here or there isn’t an issue, but be careful not to overindulge this season.
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There are, however, plenty of foods you can indulge in guilt-free come the hotter months.
1. Smoothies
Smoothies are exactly as healthy as you make them, which is why they’re one of the best summertime creations. Protein powder, fruits and vegetables, and Greek yogurt all make great additions if you need a little inspiration.
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2. Greek Yogurt
While we’re on the topic of Greek yogurt, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention just how beneficial it is to your overall health. Packed with protein and probiotics, this simple food supports gut health and acts as the perfect base for healthy add-ons like honey or fruit.
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3. Fruit Leather
This healthy, delicious snack takes as little as two ingredients to get the job done—fruit of your choice and some granulated sugar. You can also switch things up with a touch of lemon juice or a dash of maple syrup, but however you choose to make it, fruit leather is simple and good for you.
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4. Cocktail Shrimp
We said breaded seafood was off the table, not all seafood! Cocktail shrimp is a tasty, low-calorie option that’s packed with protein. This little guy also has plenty of vitamins and minerals, so there’s no shame in ripping into them this season.
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5. Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of fresh berries, melon, or citrus fruits can help beat the summer heat. You won’t break a sweat putting together a low-fat fruit bowl that’s high in vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration.
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6. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes with a bit of cheese or basil make a quick and easy summertime snack. These little guys are rich in vitamins as well, helping you stay healthy without any of the added calories or sugar.
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7. Edamame
Steamed edamame brings all sorts of health benefits to your plate—this low-fat option is high in protein and fiber, provides essential nutrients like iron and calcium, and is simple to make. Just be careful not to add too much salt on top.
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8. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Forget chocolate bark because this healthy alternative will also satisfy that sweet tooth. With nothing more than yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey, you score a low-fat snack packed with antioxidants. If you really want to throw caution to the wind, try adding a touch of jam or sprinkling granola on top.
9. Watermelon
What’s the summertime without this treat? Low in fat but high in water, watermelon slices keep you hydrated without any unnecessary calories. It can help curb sugar cravings and is also a good source of vitamins, too.
10. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is low in fat but high in protein, making it a healthier snack option. You can also pair it with a variety of fulfilling add-ons, like your favorite fruits and veggies. With so many combinations available, cottage cheese is the perfect summer bite.
