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Still hiding under layers of clothes because you have yet to lose that excess weight you piled on during winter? Then try out local, healthy, seasonal summer foods to help lose those pounds and boost your immune this system this summer. People are more health conscious during summer – it is easier to take part in physical activities outside with family and friends when the weather is warm, and knowing that you are going to have to face the world in a bikini or swimming trunks might make you think twice about reaching for that extra slice of chocolate cake.

Luckily healthy snacks are easy to make, and preparing them is a fun activity to do with the kids. They will also help keep that waistline in check this season.

What’s on the menu?

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Everybody loves a frozen treat. All you need is an ice tray, a variety of your favourite juices, and a few toothpicks. Take your juice, dilute it with some water, and pop it in the freezer covered in cling film. After about half an hour, put a toothpick in the middle and let it set .An easy healthy snack that you don’t have to feel guilty about.

Other easy healthy snack food alternatives are frozen berries – anything from blueberries to grapes are easy to freeze, are packed with antioxidants, and tasty alternatives to ice cream. If you must have ice cream, then go for a low fat, low sugar variety. Read the label, though. Often manufacturers add other unhealthy ingredients to make up for the lack of sugar in their products.

Yoghurt is also a good, easy healthy snack. It’s cold and has a good amount of protein in it to ensure that you not only satisfy that sugar craving, but also feel fuller for longer.

Go seasonal

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Seasonal vegetables are a great example of healthy summer food. Using fresh cut veggies straight from the fridge, like carrots, cocktail tomatoes, mange tout and courgettes as substitutes for fattening, greasy potato chips will surely keep those unnecessary excess pounds at bay. Using a healthy dip like hummus or pesto is also a lot better than pre-made store bought dips.

Salads are refreshing during summer months, and require a minimal amount of cooking. Instead of a roast chicken with all the trimmings, try a healthy chicken salad. Add things like seasonal fresh fruit, nuts and olive oil for a heart healthy boost that is guaranteed to give you tons of energy for fun summer activities like swimming, playing football and having picnics in the park.

Tags: healthy food, healthy snacks, Summer food