7 HEALTHY SUMMER SNACKS TO KEEP YOU COOL IN SWIMSUIT SEASON

As the temperature rises in the warm summer months you'll probably crave some cool treats to beat the heat. But with all the sugar loaded high fat fare out there it can be hard to find something cold and low calorie that satisfies your stomach. Ice cream, ice pops and frozen cocktails won't help you fit into your swimsuit. So here are a few healthy summertime alternatives to keep you cool and fit for the pool.

1. Tuna/Chicken Avocado Salad
Add drained tuna in water (not oil) or chopped cooked chicken to bowl with salt, pepper and paprika to taste. Dice or mash avocado and add to bowl with chopped red onions and hard boiled eggs or egg whites, if you prefer.

2. Ants On a Log
You may have heard of the kids treat "ants on a log," where you fill a celery stalk with peanut butter and top with raisins. You can upgrade this simple snack by using no sugar added nut butter, like almond or cashew, or a cocoa hazelnut spread inside the chilled celery stalk. Then you can top it with no sugar added dried fruit like cranberries, blueberries, pineapple, apricot, etc.

3. Yogurt Snacks
Commercial yogurts are full of sugar, and your tummy may not agree with the plethora of dairy options. Try flavored coconut milk, almond milk or soy yogurts with less than 8 grams of sugar per serving. You can also add diced fresh or drained canned fruit in juice (not syrup) to plain yogurt to control the sweetness and flavors. You may also want to try kefir; a probiotic beverage that is basically drinkable dairy yogurt.

4-5. Pudding & Custard
Store bought puddings and custards are also notorious for their sugar, corn syrup, additives and preservatives. But if you do a bit of searching you may be able to find packaged or boxed organic, low sugar pudding or custard online or on store shelves. There are also some good non-dairy options. Making your own at home is pretty simple and recipes are easy to come by. Soaked cashews blended smooth, sweetened with stevia and flavored with cocoa powder is a delicious, healthy choice.

6. Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is super simple to make, and is very flexible and forgiving. Add a tablespoon of chia seed to 8 oz of your favorite milk and stir. Let sit for a minute and thicken to your preferred consistency. If you want it thinner add more liquid. If you like it thicker add more chia. This works with dairy, coconut, almond, cashew, soy, hemp, oat, rice, or any kind of milk product. Add your favorite flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, matcha and more. And if you're going sugar-free, sweeten with stevia extract, monk fruit extract, xylitol or erythritol. Turbinado sugar, coconut sugar, raw honey and agave nectar works well if you need natural sweetness.

7. Parfait
Pudding, custard, chia pudding and yogurt make great parfaits. Layer the them with fresh fruit, fruit purée and/or granola in a cup or glass and refrigerate for a satisfying and naturally sweet treat.

These low calorie foods will keep you cool and full all summer long. Try something new and find your favorite combinations. You never know what flavors you'll fall in love with.