Board Certified in Holistic Nutritionist, Francesca Orlando of Healthful Living SD, is sharing great recipes and tips to eat healthfully and stay cool this summer.
Summer is a time for fun, sun, and, of course, delicious food. For kids and families, finding healthy yet tasty treats that keep everyone cool and satisfied during the hot months is essential. Here are some nutritious and easy-to-make summer treats that the whole family will love, along with tips for healthy summer eating.
Healthy Summer Eating Tips for Families
- Stay Hydrated: Encourage kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day. For a refreshing twist, infuse water with fruits like lemon, lime, or berries.
- Eat Fresh and Seasonal Produce: Make the most of summer’s bounty by incorporating fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables into meals and snacks.
- Prioritize Balanced Meals: Aim for balanced meals with a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to stabilize energy levels.
- Limit Processed Foods: Opt for whole foods over processed snacks. Fresh fruits, veggies, and homemade treats are always better choices.
- Create Fun Presentations: Make healthy eating fun by presenting food in creative ways. Use cookie cutters to shape fruits and veggies or arrange them into fun patterns.
Delicious and Nutritious Summer Recipes
Homemade Fruit Popsicles
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mixed fresh fruit (berries, mango, kiwi, etc.)
- 1 cup of 100% fruit juice (orange, apple, or pineapple juice)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend: Combine the fruit and juice in a blender. Add honey if desired for extra sweetness.
- Pour: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
- Freeze: Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely solid.
- Enjoy: Unmold and enjoy a refreshing, healthy treat.
Grilled Peaches & Cream
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high.
- Prepare Peaches: Brush the peach halves with olive oil.
- Grill: Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes until char marks appear and peaches are tender.
- Prepare Cream: While the peaches are grilling, mix Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and honey in a bowl.
- Serve: Top each grilled peach half with a dollop of the yogurt mixture. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve warm.
Veggie Rainbow Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Orange bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Cucumber, sliced
- Purple grapes
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the vegetables and grapes onto the skewers, creating a rainbow pattern.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and serve with hummus or a yogurt-based dip.
Watermelon Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 large watermelon
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Slice Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into thick, round slices.
- Prepare Topping: Mix Greek yogurt and honey in a bowl.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the yogurt mixture over the watermelon slices. Top with mixed berries and fresh mint leaves.
- Serve: Cut into wedges and serve immediately.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, healthy, delicious treats with your family. These recipes are not only nutritious but also fun to make and eat. You can ensure your family enjoys a healthy and happy summer by incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meals, staying hydrated, and limiting processed foods. Enjoy these recipes and create lasting summer memories with your loved ones!
We’re delighted to have Francesca Orlando and Healthy Living SD as a TNCM San Diego marketing partner!
Francesca Orlando, M.S.
Doctoral Candidate
NTP, CGP
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®
Francesca recently spoke about the picky eater topic on a health-focused podcast. We encourage you to take a listen!
Check out our featured interview with Francesca and her recent TNCM blog post! She shares discoveries through her own health journey and her focus on nutrition:
Meet Nutritionist Francesca Orlando — Healthful Living SD
Fixes for Your Picky Eater from Nutritionist Francesca Orlando
