Summer Fun

 

Posted by:

Lynn Beattie, Nutrition Education Specialist with WIC

 

 

Summer vacation is almost here and everyone is excited! Now that we have warmer weather and lots of in-season produce available, it’s easier to be healthy! Visiting your local farmers’ market, going blueberry picking, or spending the day at the park or beach are great ways to make summertime memories with your family.

Many families plan vacations and day trips over the summer months. Some fun ideas to be active outdoors include enjoying a picnic or cookout at the local park, planning a biking or hiking day trip, or going for a swim at the local pool or pond. The Department of Conservation and Recreation has a great list of bike paths and trains all across Massachusetts. The Department of Conversation and Recreation also has a list of hundreds of outdoor activities across the state. Visit these sites and let us know what you think!

When your children are active all day, they are definitely going to be hungry for a snack. It is a good idea to stock up on healthy foods and offer your children smart choices, such as:

• Veggies and low-fat ranch dip
• Smoothies blended with nonfat yogurt, berries and ice
• Fruit kabobs made with cubed or sliced fruit on a stick
• String cheese and whole wheat crackers
• Low-fat graham crackers with peanut butter.

Family nights out for ice cream are fun treats that everyone can enjoy once in a while; just not every day! Here is a healthy recipe for home-made strawberry-yogurt popsicles that you can try at home.

 

Strawberry-Yogurt Popsicles

(12 servings)

2 cups strawberries, chopped

2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt

12 small paper cups

12 wooden sticks

Plastic wrap or aluminum foil

Combine strawberries and yogurt. Mix well.

1. Fill cups with mixture, Cover cups with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
2. Insert a stick through the plastic wrap or foil.
3. Freeze popsicles until firm.

Summer only comes once a year so remember to enjoy it! What are your plans this summer? We’d love to hear from you!

Comments

[Amelie]

My husband is so aicddted to Chobani. He refuses to eat any other Greek yogurt. Personally, I like them all. And I like buying which ever one is cheaper that given week, and that bounces back and forth between Fage and Chobani. In the end, all that matters is that Greek yogurt rules. Yummy!

MassWIC Response:

You and your husband aren't the only ones who love Greek yogurt--its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years! Greek yogurt has a thicker and creamier consistency because it is strained more than regular yogurt. It's higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates (if unsweetened) and sodium than regular yogurt. But be aware that Greek yogurt has less calcium than regular yogurt, although it's still a good source. Whichever brand or type of yogurt you like, choose ones that have the least added sugar and that are low- or non-fat. Enjoy!