Summer in South Africa: A Season of Sunshine, Swimming, and Snacking
South Africa’s summer is undeniably one of the best. Even if you’re working during the festive season, weekends tend to feel like mini-holidays spent lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun seaside. However, this relaxed vibe often comes with a catch – easy, on-the-go lunches become the standard option. And let’s face it, these frequently mean overindulging in calorie-dense foods, adding a few extra centimetres to our waistlines and January regret-filled resolutions.
“But there is a delicious and easy solve,” says Sonal Ratan, Dietitian at FUTURELIFE®, South Africa’s leading provider of scientifically formulated and nutritionally balanced foods. “By making just a few conscious adjustments you can stay in the holiday spirit without compromising your health goals.”
Nutritious Recipes for Poolside Perfection
Say goodbye to calorie-dense and nutrient-poor snacks and hello to more nutritious options. Ratan shares some of her favourite FUTURELIFE® easy recipes, ideal for poolside fun that the whole family will enjoy.
FUTURELIFE® ZERO ICE POPSICLES
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™
• 2 cups berry juice
• 1 cup water
• 12 fresh strawberries (or any other berry) cut up into small cubes
• 1 drop pink food colouring for fun (optional)
You will need 6 plastic cups or an ice popsicle mould
METHOD
1. Blend together FUTURELIFE® ZERO, berry juice and water until smooth
2. Pour equal amounts of blended liquid into ice popsicle moulds or plastic cups
3. Add equal amounts of strawberries into each cup/mould
4. Place into the freezer for 2 hours
5. Remove to put in sticks
6. Leave overnight to freeze completely
7. Enjoy next to the pool on those hot and happy days!
Serves 6.
FUTURELIFE® TROPICAL PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup pineapple, peeled and diced
• 1 apple, skin and core removed and sliced
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 3 tablespoons reduced-fat coconut milk
• 1 handful of ice
• 50g (5 heaped tablespoons) Banana flavour FUTURELIFE® Smart food™
METHOD
Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend on full power until smooth.
Serve and enjoy.
Serves 2.
FUTURELIFE® VANILLA, COCONUT & HONEY HIGH PROTEIN BALLS
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ Original
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons low-fat milk
METHOD
1. Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or use a hand blender and process until they have fully combined to form a dough. Depending on your ingredients, you may need to add an extra splash of milk or a small sprinkle of coconut flour. The mixture should stick together easily when pressed without being overly sticky.
2. Using a tablespoon, roll dough between your hands to form balls. This recipe yields between 6-8 protein balls. Easy as that – you have the perfect snack.
3. Store balls at room temperature in an airtight container or the fridge for an extended period.
2-3 Protein balls make an excellent snack.
A Healthier Approach to Summer Snacking
With FUTURELIFE®’s range of simple and nutritious recipes, you can enjoy the best of our South African summer guilt-free. It’s all about balance—savouring holiday indulgences while making healthier choices, whether it’s a poolside wholesome snack, packing nutritious treats for a seaside picnic, or simply staying fuelled for outdoor adventures.
So, for more recipes and healthy tips, visit https://futurelife.co.za/blogs/recipes