As summer activities ramp up, it can be tempting to grab whatever snack is most convenient when hunger strikes.In our continued partnership with the American Heart Association, this month’s Heart Health 8 features a Hannaford dietitian who says a little planning can go a long way toward helping people stay energized and satisfied throughout the day.Whether you’re heading to the beach, spending time with family or running errands, registered dietitian Julia Williams says nutrition often takes a back seat during the busy summer months.“Whether we have kids, we’re headed to the beach or we’re just out and running around spending time with family, nutrition can feel like something that takes the back burner,” Williams said. “Make it easy on yourself. Don’t overthink it.”Williams says many grab-and-go snacks are high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars, which can leave people feeling hungry again soon after eating.Instead, she recommends building snacks around foods you already enjoy and pairing them with protein or healthy fats to help keep you full longer.“Really lean into foods you love,” Williams said. “Pair them with something like a healthy fat or protein to help keep you full and focused throughout your day.”For parents looking for kid-friendly options, Williams suggests putting a twist on classic snacks.“One of my favorite ways to remake an apple and peanut butter snack is putting it in a high-fiber tortilla, maybe sprinkling in some raisins and rolling it up,” she said.Other easy summer snack ideas include carrots with hummus or a combination of almonds, hard-boiled eggs, and grapes.“We have heart-healthy fats in the almonds, satiating protein in our eggs, and some fiber-rich carbs found in our grapes,” Williams said.Most importantly, Williams says healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated.“It doesn’t have to be pretty to be convenient,” she said.With a little preparation before heading out the door, she says healthy snacks can help keep you fueled, focused and feeling your best all summer long.
PORTLAND, Maine —
As summer activities ramp up, it can be tempting to grab whatever snack is most convenient when hunger strikes.
In our continued partnership with the American Heart Association, this month’s Heart Health 8 features a Hannaford dietitian who says a little planning can go a long way toward helping people stay energized and satisfied throughout the day.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, spending time with family or running errands, registered dietitian Julia Williams says nutrition often takes a back seat during the busy summer months.
“Whether we have kids, we’re headed to the beach or we’re just out and running around spending time with family, nutrition can feel like something that takes the back burner,” Williams said. “Make it easy on yourself. Don’t overthink it.”
Williams says many grab-and-go snacks are high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars, which can leave people feeling hungry again soon after eating.
Instead, she recommends building snacks around foods you already enjoy and pairing them with protein or healthy fats to help keep you full longer.
“Really lean into foods you love,” Williams said. “Pair them with something like a healthy fat or protein to help keep you full and focused throughout your day.”
For parents looking for kid-friendly options, Williams suggests putting a twist on classic snacks.
“One of my favorite ways to remake an apple and peanut butter snack is putting it in a high-fiber tortilla, maybe sprinkling in some raisins and rolling it up,” she said.
Other easy summer snack ideas include carrots with hummus or a combination of almonds, hard-boiled eggs, and grapes.
“We have heart-healthy fats in the almonds, satiating protein in our eggs, and some fiber-rich carbs found in our grapes,” Williams said.
Most importantly, Williams says healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated.
“It doesn’t have to be pretty to be convenient,” she said.
With a little preparation before heading out the door, she says healthy snacks can help keep you fueled, focused and feeling your best all summer long.