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14 Easy Apple Recipes To Try After Apple Picking

14 Easy Apple Recipes To Try After Apple Picking

You’re scouring the internet for apple recipes to try after apple picking, because you may or may not have gotten slightly overzealous on your fall apple picking adventure. As in… You planned your day, drove the 40 minutes to get to the apple orchard, frolicked down the rows of trees in your cute new fall boots and plaid shirt, took about a hundred too many pictures, and then retreated home… with 25 pounds of apples. We get it. And we’ve totally been there. So, now what? Well have no remorse, because we’ve got 14 ways for you to put every last apple to use—and thrill your friends and family in the process. 14 Easy Apple Recipes To Try After an Apple Picking Adventure Enjoy it just as nature intended. Apples make the perfect snack when paired with 10 almonds, 2 teaspoons of nut butter, or an ounce of cheese. Quick-prep Apple Fries and Dip. You can whip up this easy, healthy, crowd-pleasing snack in two minutes, flat.  Use them in easy recipes for a healthy breakfast or dinner. Eating whole apples during the day can wear down your excitement to try new apple recipes come dinnertime, but creatively placing them into your meals and side dishes—like in this Red Cabbage Slaw with Apples and Cranberries—can keep even 25 pounds of apples exciting. Stir some spiced applesauce into this apple pancakes recipe for a perfect fall brinner. Be sure to serve some eggs on the side for added protein.   Try Crunchy Chicken Salad Boats as a cold main dish or lunch. (Psst, kids love these, too!) Stew ‘em to create this homemade applesauce recipe. One of the most basic and tasty apple recipes for fall! Substitute applesauce for oil. It’s the perfect swap when making this yummy Healthy Bran Muffins recipe.  Mix applesauce it into yogurt. Don’t question it, just try it! We bet you’ll become a believer. Add applesauce to this healthy, homemade Quinoa Granola recipe. Avoid the processed sugars and refined carbs of store-bought granola and snack on this satisfying and flavorful version instead. Stew apples and use them as a topping. No need to fully mash apples into applesauce. Instead, cut up some apples, toss in some spices, and stew them until they reach a semi-firm consistency. Serve them over yogurt, oatmeal, or a slice of whole grain toast with nut butter. Mmmm! Bake up some apple chips. This easy and delish Apple Chip Recipe delivers tons of flavor with little effort. Apple chips are crispy, slightly chewy, cinnamon-a-rific perfection—a true fall obsession. Bonus: they store in an airtight container for a full week.  Blend up an appleicious treat. If you’re feeling something creamy and dreamy, try this Apple Spice Smoothie recipe. Your blender is jealous of your pie dish this time of year, so try this smoothie and spread the appliance love around. Bring apples into tea time. After reading the book Zen Ties when they were little, my kids asked me to make them some apple tea. It’s now a staple in my home and it’s the perfect solution to your apple peel problem from stewing and saucing all ‘dem apples. Gift someone Mother Nature’s gift. If you’ve tried all or most of these tasty recipes, but you still have apples to spare, share them with a coworker, neighbor, school, or food bank. You can even leave them out with a little note of appreciation for your delivery person. After all, sharing is caring, and everyone loves being on the receiving end of a random act of kindness. Love healthy living? Turn your passion for nutrition and wellness into a your life’s work by becoming a Nutrition Coach! Request a sneak peek of our certification program and step into a thriving new career or side business. See you in the studio!

4 Hearty Winter Salads We Have on Repeat

Summer is definitely one of our favorite seasons, but it’s already got a lot going for it. When it comes to winter, we sometimes need inspiration–especially in the form of comfort food. If you’re over the stews, casseroles and chilis, we suggest turning to something lighter, fresher–and packed with nutrients, like these weeknight-friendly, hearty winter salads.  With an assist from Nutritious Life founder Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian, nutritionist and salad aficionado, and Chef Ryan Wombacher, executive chef at Gemstone Group’s Citrine and Topaz Cafes in suburban Chicago, we developed four hearty winter salads to get all your taste buds humming.  Dig in, and don’t tell summer just how much you love the winter salad season. 4 Hearty Winter Salads to Inspire Your Next Weeknight Dinner  Winter Endive Salad w/ Pear & Mushrooms This recipe pairs slightly bitter Belgian endives with button mushrooms and crisp Bartlett pears. It tops it with crunchy toasted walnuts and a lemon-apple cider vinaigrette. Arugula Salad with Sweet Potato, Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts The sweet potatoes in this arugula salad are not only delicious but super satisfying. They contrast perfectly with peppery, slightly bitter arugula. Dress it with our honey balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and sour punch, topped with a dollop of goat cheese for a creamy, satisfying flavor.  Enjoy with a side of hearty crackers or our nut and seed bread. Hearty Kale with Crisp Apples, Spiced Pepitas + Goat Cheese This salad begins with hearty kale. We suggest Tuscan kale (also called dinosaur kale or lacinato kale) for its sturdy, dark green leaves and mild flavor. Pair it with tartly sweet Honeycrisp apples, spiced pepitas, and creamy goat cheese, drizzled with an apple cider-maple vinaigrette.  Beet Salad with Grapefruit, Feta and Pistachios Chef Ryan Wombacher’s beet salad is simple but so perfectly balanced. With its earthy, sweet beets and bright citrus notes on a bed of bibb lettuce, we’re sure you’ll be adding this salad to your regular rotation. It’s topped with tangy feta cheese and slightly sweet pistachios for a flavor combination that hits all the right notes. (Images: Shutterstock)

5 Must-Have Healthy Fall Recipes

Fall recipes seem to conjure up visions of comfort food, often laden with butter, sugar, and maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon. And a dash of nutmeg. And accompanied by a mug of hot deliciousness. And served in a pumpkin. Even though we all crave comfort food as the air gets crisper, there are many ways to enjoy the fall harvest without having to hibernate in cozy sweats all winter long. True comfort foods make you feel good, not stuffed and “yuck”, and so it’s time to rethink your definition of delicious fall recipes. Here are 5 healthy, simple, go-to fall recipes to get you in the mood for the season and leave you feeling amazing! 5 Must-Have Healthy Fall Recipes: Butternut Squash Smoothie Barley Breakfast Salad Baked Eggplant Stuffed Mushrooms 3 Bean Chili

How to Do Farm to Table in the Fall

My perfect fall Saturday always starts at our local farmers market. The air is cool and the leaves are brilliant with color. I just throw on my workout clothes, grab my favorite reusable tote and walk over.  There are whole blocks filled with everything from meats and dairy to fruits and veggies to local honey and fresh cut flowers… it’s like being a kid in a (very healthy) candy store. With the farmers markets in trend right now, you can find everything you need to put “fresh” in every meal. And you know what else is even better about the market? You can get to know your farmers! Ask them questions about their farms. How do they grow their vegetables and are they produced organically? What do they feed their animals?? Ask them what THEY enjoy cooking.  Be inspired by the farmers themselves and prepare something new. How about a healthy version of your favorite snack? Grab a bunch of beets and slice them thin. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with olive oil and sprinkle a little rosemary, garlic and sea salt on top. Bake in the oven around 350 until crispy. Crunchy, delicious and a perfect snack. This is also the time to remind yourself the aroma of fall doesn’t have to be at the mercy of a wick. Throw those perfumed candles away and fill your house with fresh autumn scents straight from the market – zucchini bread, baked cinnamon apples, pumpkin protein pancakes, endless options for you to make that healthy fall transition. The best part is, not only will these delish scents fill your house but you also get to savor the taste. It’s like a two (senses) for one! Let autumn’s colors inspire you and your palette. Let the falling leaves and crisp breeze be your motivation for a nice walk to the local market. Take advantage of the final months of the farmer’s fresh harvest in full bounty. Load your bag with the colors of the season, grab a veggie you have never tried before, and experiment with a farm to table recipe. {Tweet this}. Here’s one of my faves…enjoy!   Kale and Sweet Potato Hash Serves: 4 Time: 25 minutes INGREDIENTS: 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ teaspoons fresh garlic, minced 2 shallots, finely diced 2 large sweet potatoes, diced Sea salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste Pinch of red pepper 2 ½ cups kale, chopped and ribs removed 4 farm fresh eggs, poached or fried   DIRECTIONS: Heat olive oil in skillet. Add garlic, shallots, sweet potato and spices. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Add kale and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.  Taste and add additional seasoning if desired. Divide hash onto 4 plates and top with egg!  YUM!!

Fun, Healthy Recipes to Enjoy on St. Patty’s Day

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Everyone’s Irish today, right?! Even if you don’t have a drop of Irish in your blood, this holiday is always a fun one to celebrate just because. One of the best things about any holiday is, of course, the food. Because, what would a celebration be without the “eat, drink and be merry” part?  If you’re searching for a list of healthy, but also fun and delicious recipes to help you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day this year, we’ve pulled a few together that we think you’ll love.  Shamrock Shake Smoothie What would St. Patty’s Day be without the Shamrock Shake? Here’s a healthy spin on the classic Shamrock Shake, filled with nutritious veggies, packed with antioxidants, and of course, green for celebratory purposes.  You can always add some green powder for an even bigger boost. Oh, and the minty fresh after taste will have you wanting to make this even after we’re done celebrating St. Patrick.  Green Tea Yogurt If you want to keep everything green today, we suggest starting the day off with some green tea yogurt. What’s fun about this recipe? There are only 3 ingredients, and it’s an easy, healthy way to get an energy boost any day of the year. Frosty Coconut Mint Green Tea Mocktail This non-alcoholic refreshment is gluten-free, vegan, and paleo, with just a few simple ingredients that’ll leave you feeling hydrated and festive at the same time. It’s a super-fun Saint Patrick’s Day beverage the kids can enjoy too. Leprechaun Hats If you want to make a simple, but adorable and fun snack for everyone in your home, these little leprechaun bites are just the thing. With just a few, healthy ingredients, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Happy St. Patty’s Day snacking. St. Patrick’s Day Party Appetizer  Who isn’t looking for the end of the rainbow on St. Patty’s Day? Well, this iconic St. Patrick’s Day party platter will help you find it. If you want to make this recipe even healthier, try one of these 7 delicious healthy dips and enjoy your veggies with one of these fun dips.  Healthier Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage + Veggies Who doesn’t love the traditional Irish meal—corned beef and cabbage? If you want to make this classic Saint Patrick’s Day dinner recipe just a little healthier and lower in sodium (without losing out on taste) this version checks off all the boxes. This recipe calls for clarified butter or ghee instead of butter.  St. Patrick’s Day Fruit Salad Fruit salad makes a great snack, appetizer, or even dessert. This version uses every type of green fruit you can imagine, making it the perfect fruit platter for your St. Patty’s day celebration.  Vegan Spinach Pancakes Get your greens and your party on this Saint Patrick’s Day with this fun, delicious, and healthy version of the traditional pancake. Sweeten it slightly for a savory breakfast taste, or keep it unsweetened and use the pancakes to make a festive sandwich, instead. It’s up to you. Ok, so who’s getting this party started, STAT? Eat, drink, and be merry! photo credit: shutterstock

How Does Catherine McCord Live a Nutritious Life?

How Does Catherine McCord Live a Nutritious Life?

Whether you love to cook or are the mayor of takeout town, COVID-19 has pushed us to prepare more meals at home.  But, after months of quarantine, we’re a little tired of our go-to recipes, and definitely in need of a little culinary inspiration. Catherine McCord can help. She started Weelicious to bridge the gap between kids’ meals and grown-up food. Her dream: To end the daunting cycle of making two separate dinners each night—one for the kids, and one for the adults. And, her dream wasn’t hers alone. Each of McCord’s online how-to videos and recipes get millions of views (with fans like Jennifer Garner and Sarah Michelle Gellar) who want to enjoy one meal as a family. Taking it one step further, she started looking at meal kits. She found that while delicious, most kits weren’t kid-friendly. Deciding to change the landscape, McCord launched One Potato, the first (and only) meal kit made specifically to feed your family. She also penned the Smoothie Project: The 28-Day Plan to Feel Happy and Healthy No Matter Your Age with guidance from top nutritionists (including Nutritious Life’s very own Keri Glassman), where she explains how to eat based on your age, and details the health benefits of key smoothie ingredients. We sat down with McCord (who is also a Nutritious Life Studio Masterclass speaker)  to learn about how she lives a nutritious life. To start, there are major benefits of sitting down and enjoying a meal together. “Studies have shown that eating dinner as a family has a positive impact on childrens’ behavior and eating habits,” McCord explains. It has been shown to help your kids increase their vocabulary, get better test scores, and even help them read earlier!  Get to know our friend, Catherine McCord better, here.  How have things changed for you since COVID-19 hit? We’re all staying home so much more, and one of the biggest challenges has been getting my kids outside to get fresh air and exercise instead of spending time in the car to get to places like school, work and activities,  I’ve used that time to get moving by taking our dog on walks, swimming and hiking. How often do you exercise, and what’s your workout of choice? Life, work and kids have been so busy the past 5 years, I haven’t been able to schedule exercise into my daily routine. The day the stay-at-home order hit in mid-March, my husband started climbing the stairs in our driveway for 30 minutes a day. I joined him that day, and realized how much I missed the way I emotionally felt when exercising. I have worked out 6 to 7 days a week since that day, and now I’m doing over an hour a day and feel great! How do you motivate yourself to work out? I started taking my dog on hikes with me and witnessed his anxiety reduce which incentivized me. My kids participated in an online camp this summer, which started at 7 a.m., so I got up at 6:30 a.m. to make their breakfast and headed out the door to beat the heat.  If you had to name your healthy diet, what would you call it? Why? I would call myself a flexitarian. I eat everything, but focus on fruits, vegetables and plant-based proteins 75% of the time.  Has it been hard to stay on track with your nutrition while in quarantine? I find myself reaching for food more often since I’ve been working from home. I make sure that I have a snack like fruit, a smoothie, or popcorn because it’s a healthier choice. What’s your go-to breakfast? I have a nutrient-packed smoothie every morning. It makes me feel amazing, and I know I’m doing something good for my body.  Your go-to workday lunch? I generally have a big salad or leftovers from dinner the night before. I always try to cook a little too much dinner so I can have leftovers like roasted vegetables, grilled salmon, quinoa or sautéed greens.  What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? Plant-based milk! We make a lot of smoothies, so we always have pea, oat and almond milk on hand.  What do you eat before and after a workout? I work out so early that I tend to head right out the door. When I get home, I munch on a handful of cereal (I love crunch) while I prep my smoothie.  Your favorite food indulgence? Ice cream. I’ve been an ice cream lover since I was a kid. Gelato, soft serve, fancy and junkie—I love all of it.  Other than water, what do you sip regularly? Decaf coffee, herbal tea and kombucha. I have one of each almost every day.   What causes you stress? When I have an excess of to-dos, it can cause stress. I do my best to acknowledge my workload and spread it out, taking into account everything I need to do to support my kids throughout the day.  How do you pamper yourself when you need it? These days, it’s all about a warm bath and a good book. How do you express and spread love? I love love! I’m a big hugger with my friends and family, so this time has been challenging, missing people I love. I show love through cooking for people, making lunches for families in need every Sunday, and hopefully through One Potato, the food we send people every week.  What is your evening routine to wind down at the end of the day? At night, I read books with my 5-year-old, and have been watching a show with my older kids. I’m so tired after we watch it, I pass out. Lightning Round Meditation or massage? Massage A hot shower or a soothing bath? Bath Almond butter or peanut butter? Peanut butter (that’s the kid in me).  Coffee or tea? Decaf coffee.  A long run outside or a dark spin class? A LONG run outside.   (photo credit: Catherine McCord)

The Summer Produce You Should be Stocking Up on Right Now

Our typical summer activities look a little different this year. Beach visits, big backyard barbecues and vacations have been put on hold (sigh). But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our seasonal treats (we’re looking at you, popsicles!).  From watermelon and cherries to zucchini and tomatoes—your local market is a rainbow of delicious colors (and we love them all!). Eating produce in peak season means you are getting the most nutrients, and if you’re buying them locally, even better! Studies have shown that the fruits and veggies locally grown have higher levels of vitamins and nutrients because they haven’t suffered a nutritional breakdown that transportation and processing can cause. That bag of spinach in your fridge could have lost up to 90 percent of its nutrient content by the time it hits your table.  Whether you hit up your local farmers market or grocery store, there’s an abundance of seasonal options loaded with healthy benefits. To get you started, here’s a list of our top picks to steam, grill and blend all summer long.  APRICOTS A highly nutritive fruit containing vitamins A and E,  and the compounds beta-carotene,  lutein and zeaxanthin all shown to promote eye health.  Sweet and tart, apricots can be enjoyed fresh or dried. I like to add them to dinner and top chicken or steak.  For a trip to the savory side, turn to this Chickpea Tagine recipe.  BLUEBERRIES We all know blueberries are a powerhouse superfood.  High in fiber and antioxidants, the nutrients they contain  can neutralize the free radicals known to cause cellular damage that may lead to premature aging or the development of disease.  Add them to a parfait for a gorgeous and good-for-you breakfast or even to a grain side dish.   CHERRIES Available at their peak from late June through August, cherries are another antioxidant rich, deeply colored fruit brimming with fiber, potassium and vitamin C.   High in polyphenols, cherries have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Don’t set aside cherries for dessert. Incorporate the juicy fruit right into dinner by tossing some onto a yummy salad. WATERMELON A refreshing summer staple, watermelon is one of the most hydrating foods there is.  Also, high in lycopene and vitamin C, watermelon benefits brain health and its nutrients may delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Try Watermelon Pizza for a fun snack.  BEETS Loaded with vitamins and minerals, beets contain a high concentration of dietary nitrates, compounds that convert to nitric oxide in the body which dilates blood vessels.  This results in a blood pressure lowering effect helping to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Step out of your cooking comfort zone by making this Beet Bourguignon and Pilaf dish. CUCUMBERS Packed with water and soluble fiber (eat the peel!) cucumbers also contain flavonoids and tannins, compounds especially effective at preventing free radical damage. A known powerhouse in the beauty industry, cucumbers have cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits when used topically over the eyes or in a face mask. Pair this Cucumber Feta Greek Yogurt Dip with some kale chips at your next snack sesh. It’s fresher and lighter than those heavy, packaged dips found on the store shelves.  TOMATOES Technically a fruit from the nightshade family, we treat tomatoes as vegetables in our preparation and consumption of them.  A great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K, tomatoes consist mostly of simple sugars and insoluble fiber.  Switch up your typical leafy green salad to this  Tomato Cucumber & Mint Salad.  ZUCCHINI  Zucchini is one of the most versatile of veggies. You can grill, blend or bake it in a variety of ways.  It contributes to good gut health via soluble fiber which acts as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria living in your gut and may reduce the symptoms of some gut disorders such as IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  It also works well in this Sweet Potato Zucchini Bread.  (Image: Shutterstock)

8 Nutritionist Approved Summer Snacks

8 Nutritionist Approved Summer Snacks

It happens to us all. 3:00 p.m hits and we’re rummaging through the cabinets for something to munch on. Whether it be out of boredom, a much needed break or genuine hunger, that afternoon snack urge seems to hit us almost every day. And, often, we reach for the quickest, and sometimes most unhealthy option in the pantry.  We’re big fans of snacking here at Nutritious Life — our founder Keri wrote a whole book on it, The Snack Factor Diet reveals the health benefits of snacking. “When you snack properly, you are also more likely to make better food choices throughout the day,” she explains. Studies suggest eating every few hours can help with your  blood sugar and keep your metabolism moving. Plus, it can make you happier. A study at the University of Wales showed that women who were given snacks reported being in a better mood, were sharper mentally, and performed better on a word-recall task.  “The formula for a healthy snack involves a few elements,” Keri continues. “Every snack should ideally contain a balance of carbohydrates (with a focus on fruits and vegetables), high quality protein, and healthy fats.” Also, munching between meals can satiate your hunger and keep you from overeating at your next meal.  Try these 8 yummy bites to keep you energized and avoid that afternoon slump! Yerba Mate Energy Bites When you feel a craving coming on, don’t reach for the cookie jar. Filling your body with processed goods will only leave you feeling hungrier. Instead, whip up your own tasty treat using ingredients you can actually pronounce. These Yerba Mate Energy Bites are gluten-free, vegan and are a perfectly portioned pick-me-up. Cashews and almond butter provide plenty of healthy fats and also bring in some protein. Then, we add the secret ingredient: Argentine yerba mate, which is loaded with with vitamins and minerals.  Grilled Avocado Bruschetta A unique twist to the classic, you won’t even miss the bread when nibbling on this Grilled Avocado Bruschetta. Healthy fats and vitamin packed tomatoes make up this filling, and refreshing savory snack. This shareable snack is also perfect for your next picnic or pool day.  Banana Sushi Who said sushi had to come from the sea? Banana Sushi will bring a whole new level of creativity to snacktime, and a handful of nutrients like protein and calcium. Top it off with fiber-rich chia seeds or healthy fatcoconut shreds. You, and your kids, will love this!  Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Spread Antioxidant-rich Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Spread is a great alternative to those heavy cheese dips. This vegan spread is creamy and can conquer your sweet or salty craving.  Miso & Sesame Hard-Boiled Eggs Eggs are an amazing, simple, high protein snack. And there are so many ways you can dress them up.  Miso & Sesame Hard-Boiled Eggs offer an unexpected twist. Miso fills the gut with healthy bacteria, which may lead to better digestion and a stronger immune system. Throw the leftovers over any greens for a quick lunchtime salad! Apple “Donuts” It doesn’t get much healthier and satisfying than this  apple, peanut butter and yogurt combo. Apple “Donuts” have only 3 ingredients and you just may be craving this textured treat over classic donuts before you know it.  Crispy Tofu Simple Baked Tofu is a good source of protein (and contains all nine of the essential amino acids), meaning you’ll be free of hunger after this satiating snack. Gluten-free and vegan, tofu is a great way to up your plant based protein, just make sure to go for organic. Coconut-Crusted Avocado Fries Much lighter than their potato-derived cousin, these Coconut-Crusted Avocado Fries are the smart answer to your fry craving. The garlic, onion and paprika powders don’t just spice up the healthy-fat filled avocado; they have their own healthy benefits as well. All 3 seasonings are known to contribute to your heart health.    

Refreshing Desserts to Cool You Off

Refreshing Desserts to Cool You Off

This summer has shown some record highs, but that isn’t stopping us from taking advantage of the outdoors. Hiking, swimming, biking — there are so many ways we can get out and be active, even if it’s socially distant. While we are out enjoying the beautiful, albeit hot, weather, it’s important to stay hydrated. Sipping on water and munching on hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber will help, but there are other sweet treats that can cool you off, too. We found some delicious and refreshing desserts that give you a little energy, and even have some added nutrient benefits. Try one of these easy-to-make recipes to help you cool off. Mango Avocado Vanilla Gelato Given its simplicity, this Mango Avocado Vanilla Gelato dairy free/gluten free gelato is sure to become your summer staple. Juicy mangoes are an essential summer fruit, providing a daily dose of vitamin C in just one cup. They also contain vitamin A, which means they’ll cool your body all the while calming your skin. Mangoes are just one of the many refreshing ingredients in this tasty treat. Between the avocado and coconut healthy fats, one cup of this scrumptiousness is sure to leave you feeling satiated.  Orange Banana Smoothie Pops When the summer heat gets the best of you, reach for the freezer. It doesn’t get any simpler— or tastier— than Orange Banana Smoothie Pops you can make in 10-minutes. Plain yogurt alone is 85 to 88 percent water and the added bonus of high potassium can replenish those electrolytes that your dehydrated body needs. Throw bananas, oranges, and limes into the mix and you have a vitamin-packed dessert bursting with tropical flavor. Creamy Watermelon Coconut Milkshake This Creamy Watermelon Coconut Milkshake is dairy free, gluten free, and vegan, offering all of the flavor you’ve been craving. Coconut milk and water-rich watermelon will keep you hydrated and energized, while the chocolate will add a punch of fun to the fruity concoction. Pro tip: opt for unsweetened dark chocolate. The antioxidants increase hydration and skin density, helping you stay protected under the hot summer sun, says Healthline experts. A milkshake has never been so beneficial! Aperol Spritz Trifle On especially hot days, there’s nothing more refreshing than your favorite cocktail. So why not make it into a dessert? Enjoy happy hour and dessert all in one with this Aperol Spritz Trifle.  Orange zest atop chilled custard? The thought of it alone is cooling. This recipe is full of vitamin C-packed oranges  that contain half a cup of water in just one serving. Serve this rejuvenating treat at any outdoor gathering and your praises will surely be sung.  Banana Pops These healthy Banana Pops combine dark chocolate, which is rich in heart-healthy flavonoids, with bananas, a great source of potassium and fiber. Add some nuts and you’ve got a crunch and some healthy fats. Plus, these classic treats get bonus points for also being easy to make, kid-friendly, and healthy. If you’ve got freezer space, you can also make a big batch of them and have them ready for unexpected play dates. — By Ashley Camuso

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