It’s FINALLY starting to feel like summer and that calls for refreshing recipes made with in-season produce!

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Something I often hear from clients is that they tend to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer. I get it! In the dead of Canadian winters, warm, comforting, carby meals sound far more appealing than enjoying a cold salad for lunch or a piece of fruit for snack. Not to mention the limited availability and affordability of seasonal produce over the winter months. SO, with the warmer, sunnier days ahead, it’s a great time to get into the habit of aiming for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day! That might sound like a lot, but breaking it down that could look like:

  • ½ banana at breakfast (1 serving)
  • 1 cup of salad at lunch (2 servings)
  • 8 California Strawberries for a snack (1 serving)
  • 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables at dinner (1 serving)

With my clients, I find it works best to set small, realistic goals that can make a BIG difference in their overall health. For example, aiming to include a serving of fruit at snack time. California Strawberries in particular are in peak season right now and are so easy and versatile to include in a daily snack. Just 1 serving of 8 strawberries provides more than your recommended amount of vitamin C!

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps prevent cell damage, thereby helping to prevent certain diseases. Vitamin C also plays a role in immune health, keeps gums healthy, helps to heal cuts and wounds, and helps to absorb iron from plant-based foods. It is very easy to get your full required dose of Vitamin C without relying on sugar-filled juices or supplements, and strawberries are a great option for that. Strawberries are also a source of fibre and have a low glycemic index, which means they can provide our body with energy without a large spike and crash in blood sugar.

Pairing a serving of strawberries (carbohydrate) with a source of protein, such as a handful of nuts or seeds, ⅓ cup of plain yogurt, 1 slice of cheese, or a boiled egg, makes for a transportable balanced snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. OR, you can try out these fun, customizable California strawberry frozen yogurt pops to cool off after school or work, at your next summer BBQ or for a light dessert.

You will need:

  • 1 carton California Strawberries
  • 5% plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (1-2 cups)
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Toppings of choice! I used granola, chopped walnuts, cacao powder and coconut. Other toppings could include: chocolate chips, hemp seeds, or peanut butter.

Directions:

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut off the tops of the strawberries. Insert the popsicle stick into the top of the strawberry. Dip in yogurt and then roll in your favourite topping. Place on tray and pop in the freezer for a few hours. Store in the freezer until ready to eat!

These are also a great activity to involve kids in meal prep and get them excited about eating fruit! AND if you’re feeling creative, you can enter the #GetSnackingChallenge here, to show off your strawberry-filled snack ideas.

I hope this post provides you with some fruity inspo to add strawberries into your snacking routine for your daily dose of vitamin c, fibre and other key nutrients!

*Thank you to California Strawberries for sponsoring this post. I only work with brands whose values align with my own.