As summer radiates its glow, temperatures aren’t the only thing that skyrocket. Cravings for sweet, icy, treats soar and lead to a summertime sugar binge. Popular culprits include soda, popsicles, and punch. But there’s a way to combat this sugar monster with nature’s candy:
Fresh, delicious fruit.
Fruit is a sweet but healthy substitute for teeth-rotting snacks. They’re packed with nutrients you won’t find in sugary snacks like antioxidants, Vitamin A, and the immune-boosting superstar, Vitamin C. (Perfect since back-to-school is around the corner!)
And if that wasn’t amazing enough, fruit’s high water content quenches your thirst and keeps your kiddos hydrated on hot summer days. Plus, it’s bursting with irresistible flavor that even picky eaters love.
Let’s dive into our favorite vitamin-packed summer fruit!
1. Watermelon
Watermelon is a summertime classic. It reaches its peak season during the summer months of July and August, making it the perfect time to enjoy a slice. It’s packed with water (92%!) so your kiddos stay hydrated and refreshed. It’s also high in lycopene and citrulline, two antioxidants with amazing health benefits.
And best of all, watermelon is a great source of Vitamin C! So let’s keep plenty of this tasty, thirst-quenching fruit on hand.
2. Berries
Berries such as strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are tiny, but mighty. Their nutrition powers give them the special title of “Superfood.”
They’re packed with nutrients such as Vitamin K, manganese, folate, potassium, and. . . you guessed it, Vitamin C! They’re also a top antioxidant food that makes snacking on a handful a nutritional-no-brainer.
A delicious and refreshing way to enjoy berries this summer is with homemade popsicles.
All you need is:
- ¾ c greek yogurt
- ½ c crushed raspberries
- ¼ c whole milk
- Diced fruit such as strawberries and blueberries
- Popsicle mold
Blend the greek yogurt, whole milk, and crushed raspberries. Next, pour the mixture into your popsicle molds. Add your kiddo’s favorite fruit to each mold and freeze for 4 - 6 hours.
That’s it – your healthy alternative to sugary popsicles!
3. Peaches
Biting into a juicy peach should be on everyone’s summer bucket list. They’re fragrant, delicious, and nutritious. Just one peach and you’re boosting your heart health, gut health, and immunity – thanks to all that Vitamin C.
But that’s not all. Peaches are a great source of Vitamin A, fiber, and potassium; making it another yummy way to boost your kiddo’s health. Add peaches to your summer mealtimes in salads, smoothies, or even grilled as a yummy dessert.
4. Pineapple
Transport your family to a tropical paradise with a slice of bright, vibrant pineapple. This sweet fruit has an impressive nutrition resume including 88% DV of Vitamin C and 109% DV Manganese!
But pineapples have another interesting characteristic that’ll make you want to stock your fridge.
Pineapples are high in a special enzyme called Bromelain. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties making it a favorite for managing allergies. And if you’ve ever wondered why your tongue burns when you eat too much pineapple, that’s the bromelain hard at work!
Enjoy fresh or toss in a yogurt parfait for a sweet treat.
5. Mangoes
These golden fruits are the epitome of summer indulgence. They’re bursting with flavor and loaded with nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. These vitamins are essential for healthy eyes, skin, immunity, and bones.
A yummy way to indulge in this summertime staple is with the Vitamin C-packed Rise & Shine Smoothie. With ingredients like mangoes, pineapple, and greek yogurt, it’s a healthy snack that quenches all your summertime cravings!
Hooray for a Healthy Summer
The sunkissed days of summer break are the vacation our kiddos look forward to every year. But summertime fun doesn’t have to be unhealthy. By swapping sugary treats for fresh fruit, we can enjoy nature’s candy while boosting health and immunity!
- S. If you have a picky eater, then fill in those nutrition gaps with Renzo’s Vitamins. Our Invincible Vitamin C packs 3 powerful ingredients in 1 yummy melty tab:
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Elderberry
These 3 immunity superstars will give your kiddo’s summer routine a healthy boost. Save 30% on your first subscription order with code: FIRST30