Indulge Wisely This Summer
From ice cream to milkshakes and even savory snacks like corn on the cob, summer is often filled with unhealthy eats. If you're looking to combat the heat wave with better, more nutritious alternatives, we've got the picks for you. Here are 10 unhealthiest summer treats to avoid—and 10 to enjoy instead.
1. Corn Dog
Hot dog sausages are unhealthy enough on their own, but drenching them in batter and then deep-frying them only makes a bad thing even more of a bad thing. It doesn't help either if you're eating one from a carnival fair, which tend to be oversized and extra high-calorie.
2. Ice Cream
It comes as no surprise that everyone's favorite summer treat is not the healthiest thing to be indulging in. Loaded with sugar and fat, just one scoop could throw you off your diet game. Add a sugar cone and extra toppings, and you'll be racking up calories quickly.
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3. Popsicles
Popsicles and ice pops likely come second after ice cream on the list of unhealthiest sugary treats, and for good reason. These frozen desserts are often packed with artificial flavors, colors, and—you guessed it—loads of sugar. If you're eating two in one sitting, you're doubling up on the bad stuff.
4. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are a triple-whammy threat: not only do they come with a heaping scoop of ice cream, but also two soft cookies, tacking more sugar, fat, and calories to the list. Plus, if you're using two mega-sized chocolate chip cookies instead, you're not doing yourself any favors.
5. Corn on the Cob
Corn by itself is great for you and a good source of fiber, but when you're slathering butter, mayonnaise, and cheese onto it, you're cancelling out its naturally nutritious profile. If you want corn on the cob, make it yourself at home—without all the unhealthy ingredients.
6. Barbecue Ribs
Summer means barbecues on the patio, but did you know that burger patties and beef ribs can pack an unhealthy punch? Loaded with saturated fat—the kind that clogs arteries and raises your LDL (bad) cholesterol—and sugar from the sauce, you'll be surpassing the daily recommended intake totals for both in a blink.
7. Milkshakes
What's unhealthier than ice cream on its own? Blending it together with more milk and sugar, then topping it with high-calorie, high-fat whipped cream, chocolate, sprinkles, and maraschino cherries. Mm, sounds delicious, right? Your body, however, won't be thanking you.
8. Funnel Cake
If you've never had funnel cake at a carnival before, you might be picturing a normal cake. But don't be mistaken—funnel cakes are made by deep-frying pancake-like batter in circular motions to create their signature shape, then topped with powdered sugar, syrup, and other fruits. If you're eating one on you're own, you could be cramming as much as 760 calories and 40 grams of fat into your body.
9. Deep-Fried Anything
Speaking of deep-fried treats, anything covered with batter then tossed into a huge vat of cooking oil will probably not fare well for your health. Unfortunately, summer fairs bring exactly that, from deep-fried candy bars and Oreos to butter sticks. If you're watching your weight, steer clear of these booths.
10. Cotton Candy
Cotton candy might be a fun treat to eat, but it's just sugar and food coloring, two things that aren't the best for you. If you're craving it at a summer fair, your best bet is to share it with the whole family—and even then, it's probably better you avoid it entirely.
What are some healthier summer treats you can indulge in guiltlessly, then? Here are our top 10 picks:
1. Watermelon
A refreshing, low-calorie summer treat, watermelon packs both hydration and ample nutrients, like vitamins A, B5, and C. Plus, it's also naturally sweet, meaning it can satisfy your sweet tooth without you needing to reach for unhealthy desserts, like ice cream.
2. Sorbet
If you're looking for a lower-calorie and low-fat alternative to ice cream, sorbet is a great option. Keep in mind, however, that depending on which flavors and varieties you buy, it may still be fairly high in sugar. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making it at home for better control over its ingredients.
3. Frozen Yogurt
Sorbet not your cup of tea? Frozen yogurt is another great option that's lower in fat and calories compared to ice cream. However, again, watch out for sugar, which can quickly pile up if you're not careful. Stick to minimal toppings (or none at all) and indulge in moderation.
4. Homemade Popsicles
If you're craving popsicles but don't want the sugary ones you'll find at the store, make your own! Just throw together your favorite fruits, choice of liquid (milk, juice, or yogurt), and, if you want, a drizzle of sweetener like honey.
5. Berries
Berries are another delicious fruit to snack on in the summer, whether you're a blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry lover. Use them as a topping for oatmeal and yogurt, or bring them along in a container for a picnic at the park.
6. Air-Popped Popcorn
Instead of the overly salty or sweet boxed varieties you often see sold at the store, try air-popping plain popcorn, then seasoning it yourself. This keeps the snack relatively low calorie and healthy—perfect for summer movie nights.
7. Chia Seed Pudding
Looking for a healthy snack to start the day or have after dinner? Try chia seed pudding. All you need is chia seeds, your choice of milk and sweetener (like almond milk and maple syrup), and fruits. These delicious cups keep in the fridge for a couple of days, so they're perfect if you need to prep ahead!
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8. Frozen Fruit
If you want a little more crunch to your fruits, you can also throw them in the freezer. You can either eat them on their own or throw them into the blender to whip up a smoothie. Either way, they're just as healthy and nutritious—just icier!
9. Homemade Drinks
Whether it's freshly squeezed orange juice or lemonade, making juice at home is much better than ordering it at a restaurant or from a fair booth. After all, it's easier to control what you're putting in your body when it's homemade, where you can ensure no unhealthy ingredients or excess sugar are being added.
10. Veggie Sticks & Hummus Dip
Raw veggie sticks and hummus dip also make for a great summer snack. Veggies are packed with fiber, and hummus is loaded with nutrients and protein. Instead of opening a new bag of chips, make a veggie platter, which packs the crunch without the salt, fat, and calories.
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