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 (serves 6)
- 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)
- 6 plastic cups or an ice popsicle mould
- Blend together FUTURELIFE® ZERO, berry juice and water until smooth.
- Pour equal amounts of blended liquid into ice popsicle moulds or plastic cups. Add equal amounts of strawberries into each cup/mould.
- Place into the freezer for 2 hours.
- Remove to put in sticks.
- Leave overnight to freeze completely. Enjoy next to the pool on those hot and happy days!
FUTURELIFE® TROPICAL PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE (serves 2)
- 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™
- Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend on full power until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy.
FUTURELIFE® VANILLA, COCONUT & HONEY HIGH PROTEIN BALLS
- 1/2 cup FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ Vanilla
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons low-fat milk
- 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.
- Using a tablespoon, roll dough between your hands to form balls. This recipe yields between 6 and 8 protein balls.
- Store balls at room temperature in an airtight container or the fridge for an extended period. Two to three 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.
Click here for more recipes and healthy tips.
Main image credit: prostooleh/Freepik