This week, I am going to focus on summer snacks! Given how hot it is outside, I think sometimes we just want to have a satisfying snack rather than a whole sit-down meal in the middle of the day.
Customizable DAOFitlife Meal Plan and Grocery List Links
- Customizable DAOFitlife Meal Plan and Grocery List Template Google Sheet
- Downloadable DAOFitlife Meal Plan and Grocery List Template Excel Document
- Printable DAOFitlife Meal Plan and Grocery List Template PDF
Exercise Template Links
- Customizable DAOFitLife Exercise Plan Google Sheet Template
- Downloadable DAOFitLife Exercise Plan Excel Document
- Printable DAOFitlife Exercise Plan PDF
Best summer snacks
Summer is a good time for snacks, because sometimes you just want a lighter meal given the heat. Here are some of my favorites. You can also see this article from PopSugar for more no-cook recipes;
Salty and crunchy:
- Carrots and salsa and/or blue cheese dressing (I love Bolthouse, only 35 calories for TWO tablespoons so you can basically dip like a mofo)
- Celery and baba ganoush (baba ganoush is similarly low in calories)
- Popchips (hot! flavor) dipped in yogurt
- Kale chips – I like Brad’s even a whole bag is only 180 cals and equal to a pound of veggies! I also like to add to my salads to make them crunchy.
Smooth and creamy:
- Yogurt, walnuts and and honey (walnuts=collagen booster!)
- Cottage cheese and berries
- Chia seed pudding (store bought or overnight recipes here)
- Chocolate protein smoothie – the key is to add lots of ice and frozen banana for an “ice cream effect”
Fruity and tangy:
- Papaya, blueberry and banana fruit salad (or smoothie) – papayas are in season, delish, and SO good for the skin.
- Watermelon and feta (some like to add fresh mint/ some may find it overbearing. I am Persian so I like overbearing).
Substantial but light:
- Avocado-arugula-tahini wrap
- Feta, walnut and basil wrap
- Turkey-swiss-spinach wrap
Exercise move of the week – the slide plank
The side abdominal wall is often overlooked. A lot of times, the focus is on the front, with crunches and leg lifts. A static side plank, on the other hand, engages your whole side body. You can also try numerous variations such as:
- Elevating your legs on a bench
- Making it a “rolling” side plank combo and then adding a push-up in the middle
- Lifting a leg
- Doing hip dips
The key with the side plank is to use the muscles surrounding your bottom hip and your lats. You want to think of forming a “rainbow” shape with your body. This exercise will help with core stability and give you that cinch of the waist and sculpt that little dip in your hip.
