Summer is approaching! Whether you plan to go on a stroll or hike one of the many trails the West Coast has to offer, it is crucial to fuel up with our plant-powered treats for the sweltering summer days.
Here at Westpoint Naturals, we offer a wide range of quick bites and ready-to-eat snacks that are perfect for when you are in a pinch or want something light but filling. These snacks will keep you nourished and energized for a full day of summer fun!
Here are some of our recommendations for this summer season:
Plant-Powered Treats #1 – Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are packed with nutrients like fiber and potassium (just to name a few). Specifically, fiber can help with digestion by maintaining bowel health, but it can also aid in regulating our body’s sugar levels. This keeps our hunger and blood sugar levels at bay.
Secondly, the potassium will give you the boost you need. The powerful nutrient helps regulate our heartbeat, keeps our muscles, and nerves in check, and assists in maintaining a consistent blood pressure.
This compact, antioxidant-filled snack will keep your body moving!
#2 – Nuts
Nuts are an essential source of protein. Protein helps our body repair and build its tissues and muscles. After a full day of our body moving nonstop, we want to protect and prolong our healthy bones, blood, and skin.
Nuts are packed with healthy fatty acids (omegas). Fatty acids help lower our cholesterol. Nuts like almonds and hazelnuts give our bodies the “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lower the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The HDL combats LDL by absorbing the excess cholesterol from our blood and is then carried to our liver to be broken down and removed from our bodies.
As a matter of fact, we have our new flavored nuts available for purchase (jalapeno cheddar almonds, tamari almonds, and garlic ranch cashews)! Truly they will be a fantastic addition to vamp up your trail mix!
#3 – Sweets
Treat yourself!
Many tend to have second thoughts when choosing sweets as their snack of choice. Thereby, only a few are aware of the benefits to having sugar in your snacks (with limitations of course).
Sugar can give you the boost of energy that you feel is lacking. The carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. Afterwards, the glucose enters our bloodstream which provides us with a source of energy. It is the perfect pick-me-up throughout your busy day!
PRO TIP: You can create your own snack mix by combining all of these ingredients together. For example, you can create it in bulk so you can take it on upcoming trips or for your busy workdays.
Share us your favorite summertime snack on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We would love to hear from you.
