Wholesome summertime snacking made simple

(ARA) - Whether by the pool, in the park, or on vacation, warm weather ushers in a season of constant activity. Keeping the family energized during the summer months is important. These easy steps will help make wholesome summertime snacking simple and interesting, no matter the time or place.

A family affair
Involve others and get creative by transforming everyday trips to the supermarket into fun, unexpected adventures. Turn navigating the snack aisle into an interesting scavenger hunt. Provide children with clues to locate the healthy foods on your shopping list. This is a great way to include children in the weekly shopping and gives them an active role in making smart food choices at a young age. Select a variety of products and offer healthy alternatives.

Travel guide
A surprise snack can help keep travel companions happy during a summer afternoon of errands or a lengthy road trip. This will also help reduce unexpected spending during pit stops. Consider storing a few better-for-you, non-perishable snacks -- like mixed nuts or pretzels -- in reusable containers that can be quickly grabbed on the go. Buy family favorites in bulk and create your own single-serving portions to save money.

Rethink the basics
Add a bit of wholesome pizzazz to snacking with a multi-grain cracker. Made with a blend of eight quality whole grains combined with a touch of real honey, the authentic taste and texture of new Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Multi-grain Wheat Crisps are sure to delight. “The beauty of multi-grain foods is that the variety of ingredients makes them a versatile foundation for healthful, flavorful snacking every day," says celebrity natural food chef Bethenny Frankel. "I love that with Baked Naturals you can enjoy something wholesome and satisfying without compromising taste or quality.”

Drink up
Hot summer days can increase the body’s need for fluids. Schedule drink breaks into your daily routine and consider adding unexpected flavor to plain water with citrus slices or ice cubes containing berries. Invest in reusable water bottles, some of which have built-in filtration systems, for on the go drinks without waste. Serve chilled vegetables and fruit containing natural liquids for a snack that is nourishing and refreshing.

Planning ahead each week and knowing how to build healthful snacks into any schedule can help families develop smart snacking habits year-round.

For additional information on Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Multi-grain Wheat Crisps or Bethenny Frankel’s exclusive pairing recipes, visit www.bakednaturals.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent