Top 5 summer snacks worth eating

June 24, 11:17 AMLong Island Grocery ExaminerStephanie Schandler

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Summer generally promotes snacking and there is no reason to deny yourself sweet and salty treats when there are great, healthier options available in the grocery stores. Only one fat-free option here, and nothing that is a waste of chewing! The rule of thumb is to eat in moderation, but eat what tastes great!

1. Fresh frozen blueberries- For a fantastic, healthful treat, stock up on blueberry pints (especially when they are on sale at the grocery store, but even better... from the local famer's market), wash and completely dry your berries.  Place in freezer in a single layer and freeze for several hours.  Transfer to seal and lock bag.  Bring frozen blueberries to the beach or on a picnic during the steamy hot days and snack away knowing your are getting a dynamite snack that is only 84 calories per cup with NO fat whatsoever!  The best part of eating blueberries is that they are a great source of antioxidants, and has research that they contain some anti-aging properties.  Parent's and kids love them and when they are frozen they will cool you off while nourishing your body and soul.
2. Smartfood Popcorn Clusters- these little bags (great for car trips) are lower in fat (1 or 2 g depending on flavor) and calories (110-120 depending on flavor) but have that delicious Cracker Jack thing going for them without the total guilt you feel after eating a box (and/or bag) of those!  Your fingers will still be sticky, your jaw will still be a little bit soar from the chew (but you like that!) and you get this salty-sweet thing that is just perfect! All the flavors are free of MSG, the Cranberry Almond is gluten free.  My favorite was the Chocolate Cookie Caramel Pecan, but the Honey Multigrain was a close second.  Pack yourself a bag or two and take yourself out to the ballgame!
3. True North Nut Clusters- these nut clusters are very much like candy peanut brittle, without being candy. Hearty and packed with clean, crunchy flavor, True North is all natural and has a good source of protein (5 g. per serving).  All the nuts in these clusters come from the good ol' USA! The bag has a seal and lock element so it is easy to travel to the beach, in the car for a family trip.... or if you are lucky enough to be flying, as a real "airplane snack"!
4. Orville Redenbacher's 100% Natural popcorn, when was the last time regular, store bought microwave popcorn had no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors, contained 100% whole grain popcorn, PLUS came in cool flavors like buttery garlic or buttery salt and cracked pepper?  This is popcorn for the grown up palate!  For a few bucks (as opposed to a lot at the theater!), you can pop your own corn, head on down to a summer flick, save some money bringing your own and chew away!
5. popchips- these round discs of popped potato deliciousness are all natural and completely addicting.  They come in 7 awesome flavors, little take away and big- "spread the fun" sized bags and are available in Whole Foods, Jamba Juice, Target and many other stores.  They "happen to be" lower in fat (around 4g per serving) and calories (100 calories per serving) than regular potato chips or Pringle-type varieties, but they don't skimp on crunch and cheesy, deeply flavored goodness. Plus, the serving size is 15-16 big chips.  Not bad!

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