Fear not! In this blog, I will briefly mention some quick and easily accessible snacks that are healthier, while still satisfying those cravings in the summer heat.

1. Vegetables with Hummus Dip 

With no doubt, vegetables are an essential part of any healthy diet as they provide us with lots of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Dietary fibre helps maintain an efficient metabolic rate and a healthy digestive system to prevent constipation, which reduces the risk of bowel cancer. Hummus is commonly made through blending chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in a food processor. Inflammation is the body’s way to protect us from infection, illness or injury.

Chronic inflammation is a very common issue that many of us may not be aware of. This tasty dip has been linked to help the body fight against long-term body inflammation due to its ingredients being rich in antioxidants. Hummus is also a great source of plant-based protein. Due to typically being associated with healthy crunchy foods, this dip has been found to satisfy potato chip cravings.

Vegetables that are typically dipped in hummus are bell peppers, carrots, celery, zucchini and avocado. This snack is perfect for wherever you go as all you need is hummus and vegetables in two separate containers! With this addictive snack, you do not have to worry about your parents, friends and loved-ones nagging you to eat vegetables anymore!

2. Frozen Grapes 

With just freezing this fruit overnight, you can meet your daily nutrient intake in which you could munch on these cool, nutrient-filled grapes in the hot blazing sun. Grapes are filled with vitamin B, C, and K and can prevent the future onset of chronic disease. They also contain copper, iron and manganese, which are all essential in the formation and strengthening of bones.

Despite being individually small, these fruits are linked to negating high blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes due to its high potassium content. The refreshing frozen fruit snack is highly addictive and will keep you cool during the hot outdoors.

3. Pickles 

Many individuals are not fond of the idea of consuming pickles. However, pickles contain several of benefits, such as improving digestive health and relieving stress to improve mental health. A link is present between having higher probiotic bacteria levels and lower cortisol levels. Since pickles provide an excellent food source for the bacteria in our GI tract, our probiotic levels will increase, which results in lower cortisol levels when a pickle is consumed. By having lower cortisol levels, the effects of stress felt by an individual is minimized. One thing to watch out for in pickles is their high sodium levels, which could affect health adversely if over-consumed.

4. Edamame 

Edamame can be served hot or cold, but the shell of the soybean is typically not eaten. This quick and easy-to-eat soybean offers various health benefits by being rich in antioxidants, vitamin K and fibre. By containing folate, the delicious soybean may also help minimize the depressive symptoms as folate prevents excess homocysteine from forming in the body.

High levels of homocysteine can interfere with the production of some feel-good hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Edamame can also promote a healthy skin complexion and can boost energy through the day. Having this snack on a hot day will let you enjoy the blazing sun to its maximum potential!

Give these few snacks a try the next time you crave a cool, summer treat! As with any type of snack, always remember to be cautious of the amount you consume in one sitting. Want more snack ideas? Be sure to let us know down below!

Jeffrey Wu – Client Care Manager/Cardio Trainer

Jeff has been physically active ever since kindergarten and believes that enhancing overall health allows one to achieve their complete potential. He hopes to create an everlasting impact within the community by emphasizing the importance of consistent exercise routines, adequate nutrition and regular health checkups to create the brightest future possible.

The post 4 Nutritious Snacks to Eat in Summer first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

1. Panz Veggie

With decadent flavours an extensive menu, Panz Veggie hits the spot for chinese food cravings. The menu has something for everyone, and the large portions are perfect for a family style meal. Owner Livia is always happy to share her secrets, like where she gets her delicious soy nuggets, and the best egg alternatives! My favourites: wonton soup and eggplant hotpot- yum!

2. Chickpea

The next level up from the famous Vancouver food truck Chickpea, owners Rotem and Itemar opened up the restaurant of the same name in the summer of 2017. Drawing inspiration (and names) from classic Israeli and mediterranean cuisine, Chickpea puts a plant-based twist on popular dishes that are sure to leave you absolutely full and satisfied. I especially appreciate that the vegetables in the meals are celebrated as just that- vegetables. Their flavours stand out- they’re not cooked to taste like meat- and are made into such comforting meals. We knew right away that their pitas weren’t from Vancouver- they are perfectly fluffy and brought in from an Israeli bakery in Ontario. My top picks: A sabich (the ‘ch’ is pronounced like a hard ‘h’) hummus platter to share with a friend, or the malawach wrap for brunch!

3. Virtuous Pie

Definitely a big name in the vegan scene, Virtuous Pie continues to prove it’s not just a pizza place. Although the pizza is fantastic, the reason VP made this place is for all of their other menu items. Their new mac and cheese dish is wonderfully light, their ice cream flavours consistently surprise me, and their homemade cheese blows other vegan cheese options out of the water. What I love is that the majority of their ingredients are made in-house, including their light dough, cheese, and ice cream. My top picks: Stranger wings and Ultraviolet pizzas, and the Mermaid ice cream for dessert!

Mika Fogelman- Client Care Manager

Mika is passionate about helping others in any way she can. Having danced since she was five years old, she discovered excitement for fitness through teaching Zumba dance fitness classes, and loves to help others develop their confidence through exercise.

The post Our 3 Favourite Vancouver Vegan Restaurants first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.