If you thought counting your macros during the holiday season tested you, then buckle up for macro counting during the summer! We’re talking about backyard barbeques, ice cream, seltzers, fair food, and the list goes on. But, we’re not going to say you need to close yourself off completely to having an indulgent treat here and there. However, you should still be able to kick back by the pool with something yummy that still makes you feel good.
PUT SOME WORK INTO IT
PERSONAL CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Grab a few slices of your favorite lunch meat alongside some cheese, crackers, and even some fruits and veggies. This snack gives you some variety but can also be packed up and brought to a beach day. Think adult Lunchable.
FBK’s Adult Lunchable
- 15g Crunchmaster Multi Grain Crackers
- 43g Carrots
- 43g Grapes
- 21g The Laughing Cow Creamy Light Cheese Spread
- 28g Roasted Turkey Breast
Macro Estimate for the FBK Adult Lunchable: 4.5g F / 18.3g C / 10.8g P | 175 Calories
SOUR GRAPES
This one is simple but effective. Sour grapes are one of our favorite frozen treats! All you need to do for this super simple recipe is get your favorite kind of grapes (we prefer green) and cut them in halves. From there, squeeze lime juice on them and stick them in the freezer for about an hour. “Tastes like candy” is an understatement.
Macro Estimate: 30g C / 0.2g F / 1.2g P | 115 calories
Recipe and photo credit: Country Living
MOJITO WATERMELON SLICES
A watermelon mojito minus the rum. For this you’ll need sliced watermelon along with olive oil, torn mint, salt, pepper, the zest and the juice of a lime, and flaky sea salt. You’ll first want to mix the watermelon with the olive oil, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Top with the rest of your ingredients and serve!
Macro Estimate (150g) Mojito Watermelon Slices: 3.5g F / 12.4g C / 0.9g P | 80 Calories
Recipe and photo credit: Abbey's Kitchen
WATERMELON FRIES WITH COCONUT LIME YOGURT DIP
The first thing you’ll want to do for this snack is to cut your watermelon into long, skinny slices. Think thick cut french fries! Once you season the watermelon with Tajin, you can move onto the dip. For the dip, all you’ll need is 1 cup of coconut yogurt, 1 tbsp of coconut sugar, and the juice and zest of one lime. Mix all of those ingredients together and you’ve got the perfect snack to cool down with (but we’ll admit - it packs a little heat).
Macro Estimate for (150g) Watermelon with Tajin: 0.2g F / 11.4g C / 0.9g P | 46 Calories
Macro Estimate for Lime Yogurt Dip: 0.8g F / 19.6g C / 2.1g P | 83 Calories
Photo from tasteofhome.com
APPLE SALAD
You may have never heard of this, but this light and airy snack is one of our summer favs. All you need is a diced apple, about 3 tablespoons of fat-free whipped topping, one tablespoon of a peanut butter powder like PB2, and cinnamon. Mix it all together and top with chopped walnuts!
Macro Estimate: 32.5g C / 6.5g F / 7g P | 220 Calories
GRAB AND GO
Sometimes, the biggest challenge you’ll face when counting macros is that it can be time consuming. But not every food you’ll eat will require you to do extensive meal prep. Simplicity can still be key. Here are some of our favorite grab and go, macro-friendly summer snacks.
FRESH SNACKS
Refrigerated snacks like string cheese are super easy to grab. We also love veggies with ranch seasoning on them. Our favorite fresh snack during summer is definitely fruit, however, specifically in-season ones like pineapple, berries, and melon.
Macro Estimate for (1) String Cheese: 6g F / 0g C / 7g P | 80 Calories
Macro Estimate for (85g) Carrots w Ranch Seasoning: 0g F / 8g C / 1g P | 40 Calories
Macro Estimate for (150g) Watermelon: 0.2g F / 11g C / 0.9g P | 46 Calories
TIP: Start understanding the caloric density and macro makeup of your fave fruits and veggies. The macro breakdown between 150g of banana, and 150g of watermelon may surprise you!
LOW-CALORIE ICE CREAM
Most of the low-calorie ice creams, or other frozen treats, will be together in the frozen section! Yasso has great options along with Skinny Cow and Halo Top.
Macro Estimate for (1) Yasso Fudge Brownie Ice Cream Bar: 1g F / 19g C / 5g P | 100 Calories
Macro Estimate for (85g) Halo Top Vanilla Bean: 3g F / 12g C / 7g P | 700 Calories
SALTY SNACKS
Pre-portioned salty snacks are the way to go. Popcorn, pre-packaged hummus and pretzels, and protein chips and guacamole are all great options. Having them pre-packaged helps you to not go overboard.
Macro Estimate for (57g) 365 by Whole Foods Hummus: 10g F / 11g C / 4g P | 140 Calories
Macro Estimate for (32g) Quest Protein Chips Nacho Cheese Flavor: 5g F / 5g C / 19 g P | 140 Calories
Macros Estimate for (18g) Skinny Pop Original Popcorn: 6g F / 9g C / 2g P | 100 Calories
WHEN IN DOUBT
Sometimes, you’re a guest and you don’t have total control over what you’re eating. When given the option, choose to forgo buns, too many chips, or sweets. When it comes to drinking alcohol, make sure you’re tracking that as well. You can refresh on how to track your alcohol by clicking here.
Remember, always use the 80/20 method for your nutrition goals. That means that 80% of what you eat is on-track, nutritious foods. 20% of what you eat can be fun foods like donuts, cookies, ice cream, etc. We’re all about balance, but the fun doesn’t need to stop at tracking your macros! Enjoy your food, but stay on track while you do it.