That time of year has snuck up on us again. It’s time to break out those shorts, summer dresses, and pool toys. No matter what your summer has in store for you, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated and have lots of healthy treat options available.

Snack Prep Day

I’m big on setting aside a day for some serious batch cooking. I gather several of my favorite healthy recipes for an afternoon of summer snack making. It’s a fantastic way to make sure there’s always something nutritious and yummy on hand when I need a snack, whether I’m working around the house or headed out for a walk.

Bite-Sized Collagen

One of my favorite go-to summer snacks is the Coconut Mocha Collagen Fat Bombs. The blend of chocolate, coconut, and coffee doesn’t seem like it could possibly be healthy for you, yet you’ll be enjoying a low-carb snack loaded with collagen and free of added sugars. Not only will you be providing your body with anti-inflammatories, but you’ll also be creating a happy gut, boosting your immune response, and fighting off the signs of aging skin.

You’ll love how quick these Fat Bombs are to whip up and all you’ll need is:

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup canned full-fat coconut milk
• 1 scoop or 1 packet Chocolate Collagen Shake™ or 1 packet Collagen Hot Cocoa™
• 1 packet Instant Collagen Coffee™
• ⅛ cup shredded unsweetened coconut (and a bit extra to sprinkle on top)

Pop these easy to make treats in the fridge or freezer, and you're set for a warm summer's day snack with a lot of added benefits!

Bone Broth Cool Down

Another summer love of mine is the Blackberry and Blueberry Bone Broth Popsicle. Your whole family will be beating the heat with this berry-packed sweet treat. And you know I can’t recommend bone broth enough! Not only will you get the antioxidant benefits from the berries, but you’ll also be providing your body with the benefits of: 

• Detoxing and cleansing
• Healing worn joints with its abundance of nutrients
• Helping repair and reset an unhappy gut
• Helping boost weight loss
• Calming inflammation throughout the body
• Providing collagen to help fight fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin tone

Pretty impressive for a popsicle, isn’t it? The bone broth will also help fill you up so you won’t feel the urge to overeat. You’ll be happy to know they are very low in calories as well as carbs. And don’t get me started on the blueberries! Choose to eat them dried or fresh. Either way, these are an excellent snack anytime, anywhere —and the anthocyanins in blueberries help keep your skin and eyes protected from sun damage. Not too shabby for a little bone broth snack concoction.

Grab these simple ingredients, and you'll be popping them in the freezer in about 10 minutes!

• ¼ cup water
• 6 ounces blackberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups chicken bone broth
• 6 ounces blueberries, fresh or frozen
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 4 to 5 lemons
• Stevia or monk fruit to taste

Quick Mix for Any Occasion

A simple little recipe I like to throw together for any occasion from hikes to running errands is my Paleo Tropical Trail Mix. It's full of necessary nutrients and antioxidants. The almonds also provide some pretty fantastic cholesterol and blood pressure benefits.  And best of all, you’ll be increasing your collagen production with this tasty snack. That’s right! You’ll be snacking your way to tighter skin, fewer wrinkles, and a gorgeous glow for the summer.

Toss these ingredients together for an easy go-to snack mix you can store in bulk or pre-measured portions. Will you be heading outdoors with your mix? I like to make an extra batch without the dark chocolate, just to make sure I avoid any summer melting mishaps.

Grab these ingredients for your trail mix:

• 2 ½ cups coconut chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
• 1 cup dried pineapple chunks
• 1 cup macadamia nuts
• 1 cup almonds

Veggies on Hand

While you’re preparing your summer snacks, don’t forget the veggies! I keep an assortment of fresh, raw veggies handy and even prepare a side of guacamole and fresh salsa. What better way to provide your body with the vitamins and nutrients it craves while cooling down after some outdoor summer fun? If you have little ones, slice them up into small snack sizes they can munch on easily.

Protein Reserves

While I'm busy putting together some of these snacks, I also prepare a batch of hard-boiled eggs. They are such a great high-protein snack option when you need something small to hit the spot. Not to mention, they are perfect when diced on top of a refreshing, crisp summer salad after a long morning in the sun.

Pre-Made Toss and On-the-Go Options

If you don’t have the extra time to spend on a snack prep day, no worries! We all have hectic schedules. That’s why I also recommend my Collagen Fiber Bar in Chocolate Coconut. Is your mouth watering just reading that? You can pick up a box of twelve delicious coconut cream-filled snack bars, dipped in dark chocolate. Tuck a few in your bag or backpack and you’ve got your flavorful energy snack taken care of. You’ll even benefit from a happy, healthy gut, help your body absorb additional minerals, and promote weight loss goals.

Here’s what you’ll get in each yummy bar:

• 18 grams of fiber
• 2 grams net carbs
• Dairy-free
• Soy-free
• Gluten-free
• No added sugar
• Non-GMO

Take an afternoon and have some fun preparing and tasting these sunny-day snacks. You can even make it a fun activity to do with the kiddos while teaching them the benefits of healthy eating. For more rewarding recipes, browse smoothies, meals, and more here.  Then stop by the shop for all your on-the-go summer needs. You’re sure to feel great and look radiant as you reap the benefits of all my favorite summertime go-to’s!

Keep thinking Big and living BOLD!