However, it's not uncommon to gain weight in the summertime, especially if you adopt the vacation mindset of indulging your bad cravings every time you do a fun activity. Keep reading for a few quick and easy treats that everyone can enjoy while staying happy and healthy this summer.
Five Quick and Easy Treats to Enjoy
This year, make your contribution a healthy one with these five quick and easy treats!
1. Watermelon Salad
Staying hydrated in the hot summer months can be a challenge. However, this simple watermelon salad makes a great addition to any picnic.
For this recipe, you will need:
● Watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
● 4 ears of corn
● 1 cup feta
● 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional)
● ½ red onion, diced
● 2 tbsp lime juice
● 1 bunch of mint
Boil corn for a few minutes and remove kernels from the husk. Allow it to cool before adding it to the salad. Next, cut the watermelon, feta, jalapeno, mint, and red onion. Dress using lime juice and chopped-up mint. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or plastic to-go container and stir until thoroughly mixed.
2. Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto is a staple appetizer of the Italian diet. Vegetables, cheeses, and meats are combined on a platter and served in bite-sized portions. These skewers combine all the delicious parts of an antipasto platter into an easy-to-consume snack.
For this recipe, you will need:
● 1 pint of mozzarella balls
● 1 pint of cherry tomatoes
● 1 jar of artichoke hearts
● 1 jar of seeded black olives
● 1 jar of roasted red peppers
● ½ lb. Genoa salami (optional: leave off for vegetarian guests!)
● Basil
● Short skewers
Add one of each item into a skewer, sandwiching the basil between the tomato and mozzarella. That's it! Make as many as you'd like and keep them in the refrigerator or a cooler until you're ready to eat.
3. Peanut Butter Balls
For this recipe, you will need:
● 1 cup smooth peanut butter
● 3 tablespoons maple syrup
● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
● 1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats
● 1/4 cup chocolate chips
● Melting chocolate for dipping
Combine the peanut butter, maple, and vanilla, stirring until the ingredients bind. Add the oats and chocolate chips and bring the whole thing together with your hands. Roll into 1-inch bites, and you're ready to go!
Option to melt some chocolate and dip the peanut butter balls for a little added sweetness. If dipping, allow the peanut butter balls to cool to room temperature before packing them in a container. Store in a cool place out of the sun until ready to serve.
4. Baked Broccoli Bites
For this recipe, you will need:
Broccoli Bites
● 2 cups soft-cooked broccoli, roughly chopped
● ½ cup shredded cheddar
● 2 eggs
● 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 2 scallions, finely chopped
● Salt & pepper to taste
Lemon Yogurt
● ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
● 1 tbsp lemon juice
● 1 garlic clove, minced
● 1 tsp olive oil
● Salt & pepper to taste
Cook and chop the broccoli and allow to cool slightly before combining with cheddar, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, salt, and pepper. Mash together with your hands and form into 1-inch balls. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil and bake broccoli balls at 390 degrees until golden brown, about 25 minutes.
For the yogurt, combine all the ingredients in a container. Use a little more olive oil to improve the consistency for dipping. Pack up and serve!
5. Fresh Spring Rolls
For this recipe, you will need:
Fresh Rolls:
● Spring roll wrappers
● 2 ounces rice noodles
● 1 cup torn butter lettuce
● 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
● 2 carrots, cut thin as a matchstick
● 1 small cucumber, cut thin as a matchstick
● 1 bunch of cilantro
● 1 bunch of mint
● 1 bunch of Thai basil
● 1 tsp sesame oil
● Salt
Peanut Sauce:
● ½ cup creamy peanut butter
● 2 tbsp soy sauce
● 2 tbsp rice vinegar
● 2 tbsp maple syrup
● 1 tbsp sesame oil
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 2 tbsp water
Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions so that they are slightly al dente. Remove from the water, drain, and run under cold water. Toss in sesame oil and salt.
Chop and prepare all the vegetables. Finely chop the herbs together and place them in a small bowl. Follow the instructions on the package to cook the spring roll wrappers. You want it pliable but not too floppy. Soak and prepare one spring roll wrapper at a time, adding the desired ingredients and leaving an inch at the edge.
To make the peanut sauce, mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Then, add more water to reach the desired consistency.
Eat Healthy
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.