Summer Fun with Summer Snacks

Written By Ashley Behi

When it comes to having a healthy lifestyle, one of the most important factors is a healthy diet. As people age the importance of their dietary lifestyle increases with their need for specific vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Increased health risks pose a challenge when it comes to picking meals and snacks that could benefit one’s overall lifestyle. Some good options for healthy snacks are whole grain muffins, orange slices, baked apple chips, oatmeal, and unsalted peanuts. Sometimes healthy meals can be bland and look unappealing; that is why appetizing recipes are crucial for staying engaged with a beneficial diet.

This simple roasted root recipe is exemplary for incorporating some color and vegetables into a meal (or a snack). Additionally, these root vegetables are perfect for anyone on a diabetic diet or looking for some added antioxidants and fiber.

ROAST ROOT VEGETABLES
Ingredients: 

  • ½ red onion, cut into wedges

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled

  • 2 large carrots, peeled

  • 1 large beet, scrubbed and trimmed

  • Several new potatoes, skin on, cut in halves or quarters

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 4 teaspoons mixed dried herbs 

    • Rosemary, oregano, and parsley are some recommendations

Cooking Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 400℉ and grease the pan with whatever preferred greasing method you have. 

  • Cut vegetables into even pieces, around an inch each.

  • Toss vegetables in olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.

  • Bake for 30-40 minutes and flip vegetables as needed to ensure even baking.

What about a healthy recipe for those who like the sweeter things in life? Although a healthy sweet recipe is a common challenge amongst most diets, there is a simple summer sweet snack recipe to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

All it requires is dates and any nut butter of choice: cashew, peanut, almond, etc. Dates are great for controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. 

Instructions:

  •  Cut the dates open and remove the pits

  • Add a teaspoon of butter to the center of the date

Enjoy! It’s that easy and just as delicious!

Ashley Behi
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The Key To Healthy Aging