Summer is full of yummy treats like ice cream, pies, BBQs, and McDonald’s. But how can we maintain that rockin’ summer bod while enjoying summertime sweets? Here are a few untraditional healthy snacks I’m substituting for traditional summer snacks.

1.    Almonds

So, I don’t know about you, but I love a salty crunch. That’s why I love potato chips so much. Potato chips unfortunately have no nutritional value, so I’m often looking for a crunchy alternative. Lightly salted almonds give you that crunch and salt without all the calories. According to Healthline.com, almonds not only pack a powerful punch of antioxidants and Vitamin E, they also lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. I’m here for it!

2.    Greek Yogurt (in my guac)

I have a deep love for guacamole! If you’ve ever made guac before, you know you usually add sour cream to get that yummy creaminess, but a great substitute is Greek yogurt. You get that dairy taste and consistency without all the calories. You could also just eat it alone and add some sweet berries or nuts to it.

3.    Bell Peppers

Here’s another crunchy, yet nutritious snack. Most importantly, when you cut up bell peppers, they’re very dippable! Ranch, hummus, guac, etc. According to Chatelaine.com, bell peppers increase your metabolism, so you can keep the calories burning.

4.    Veggie Chips

Honestly, veggie chips taste so much better than they sound. They taste just like any other chip, but more hearty and have way less calories. I found myself feeling more full after just a few. Skip the empty calories by grabbing a bag of these!

5.    Frozen Bananas 

When I think of summer, I think of ice cream and popsicles. Here’s a little secret—you can make dairy-free, healthy ice cream with frozen bananas. Just pop some in a blender with any other favs (Nutella, peanut butter, chocolate syrup, etc) for a delicious frozen snack. 

6.    Mangoes

Put these in smoothies, salsa, or just cut it up for a sweet snack. According to BBCgoodfood.com, mangoes are high in Vitamin C and A, which contribute to healthy skin and hair. I know I want healthy hair and skin for the summer!

7.    Dark Chocolate

Not all chocolate is bad! Dark chocolate lowers the risk for heart disease, according to Healthline.com. I love to chew on Bark Thins when I have a late-night craving. This particular brand has many different flavors and variations, but I mostly stick to Dark Chocolate with Almond.

8.    Cheese Sticks

I LOVE cheese!! It’s one of the greatest foods ever, but it’s super important to eat healthy portions. Eating a cheese stick satisfies my cheese craving while preventing me from overdoing it. And its great to take on-the-go if you’re a busy body like me!

9.    Avocados

I’ll admit, I was really not up for the avocado hype. Fortunately, I have had an avocado conversion. I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed, but I really love the versatility of the fruit. I mostly spread it on toast with seasoning (Tony’s of course!), but there is so much more that you can do. The other day I made a side salad with avocado and blueberries. It was super refreshing—perfect for summer!

10.  Water

I know what you’re thinking— “water is not a snack”. I know, but another healthy option is to drink water when you feel peckish. Drink a full glass of water before you reach for a snack.  This method will help you determine if you’re really hungry or just bored while keeping you hydrated during this warm season. Also, keep in mind that you are supposed to be drinking half of you body weight in ounces every day. 

The moral of the story is, enjoy your summer and its many treats, but maybe try to sneak in some healthy, yet tasty alternatives every now and then.