4 Cool Summertime Snacks

These summertime snacks are all gluten- and dairy-free, can be made in less than 15 minutes, and can be stored in your freezer.

There are few things more satisfying during the dog days of summer than a refreshing treat — but ice cream, ice pops and frozen fruit bars can be loaded with sugar, artificial coloring and preservatives. Surprisingly, they also can make you feel hotter.

“I recommend nutrient-rich, cooling snacks that aid the body in digestion, which helps decrease heat created during the digestive process,” says Alexandra Catalano, a holistic nutritionist and creator of the popular lifestyle brand Eat Cute. “For relief from that summer heat, it’s important to choose healthy snacks without refined sugar that also have a high water content.”

Catalano shares four of her favorite tasty summer treats below. Bonus: They are all gluten- and dairy-free, can be made in less than 15 minutes, and can be stored in your freezer so you can have them on hand for those extra hot days.

“I always encourage my clients to keep snacks like these ready to alleviate the temptation of sugary poolside snacks,” Catalano says. “Stacking the odds in your favor by keeping healthy snacks handy will leave you feeling radiant, keep you on track with accomplishing your health goals and give you energy.”

Photo Credit: Rebecca Buenik