EAT FIT/NOT FAT BODY

SUMMER SNACKIN’

HEALTHY MUNCHIES THAT ARE YUMMY, NOT YUCKY

Kids tend to fill up on high-calorie, nutrient-poor snacks such as ice cream and potato chips during summetime. However, summer snacks can be both nutritious and delicious.

For example, fruits in season make tasty, nutritious snacks. Watermelon is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene (a carotenoid that may reduce the risk of cancer). Blueberries are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, which help fight cancer and heart disease. And peaches are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

However, if your little ones are craving something more savory, try taking a snacking staple like chips and queso and giving it a makeover.

Be Aware

TORTILLA CHIPS WITH MONTEREY JACK QUESO DIP

Monterey Jack and other full-fat cheeses are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Monterey cheese contributes about five grams of saturated fat and 25 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce of cheese. Eating saturated fat and cholesterol increases a person’s risk for heart disease.

Better

TORTILLA CHIPS WITH QUESO DIP MADE FROM LOW-FAT CHEESE

Although full-fat cheese is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, choosing low-fat cheese cuts down on the saturated fat and cholesterol in the cheese.

Best

Multigrain Tortilla Chips With Peach Salsa

This recipe for peach salsa tastes great paired with fiber-packed multigrain tortilla chips or whole-wheat pita chips.

Peach Salsa

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh peaches, chopped and peeled

¼ cup sweet onion, chopped

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons fresh jalapeno pepper, finely chopped and seeded

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon snipped fresh cilantro ½ teaspoon sugar

Directions:

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together peaches, onion, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, garlic, cilantro, and sugar. Cover and chill for one to two hours. Makes two cups.

NOTE: Wear gloves when handling jalapeno peppers. Discard the seeds; do not include the seeds in the salsa.