Mysty PfefferI am always looking for easy and healthy treats my kids will love! So, these easy 4th of July treats fit the bill. Plus, summer makes it so irresistible with all the fresh berries in season. God provides all the beautiful antioxidants we need and combines it with a sweetness we love.
There is no reason my family and yours can’t maintain our healthier eating habits around this boisterous freedom holiday. When we focus on combining fresh, fiber-filled fruit with whole grain and healthy protein we can easily stay the course.
It’s a win-win for everyone, adults and children alike.
I like to keep it simple and use what I have on hand. Since stocking up on or growing fresh fruit is a part of my weekly routine, these easy 4th of July treats are a no-brainer.
Of course, staying the healthy eating course means these treats are going to top off the lean ground meat portions we choose. . .without nitrates or nitrites. Fresh veggie salads are also on the menu with our very own salad dressing mixes, and maybe even a bun or two we’ve made ourselves!
Yep, easy whole food never tasted so good!
So Let’s Get Started with those Easy 4th of July Treats!
I am a big fan of the protein craze and using what we have to meet our bodies needs and the nutritional needs of our children, while still having fun and enjoying life. Trust me, when the family’s taste buds are weaned off high sugar items laced with chemicals, they learn to love the simplicity of fresh items much more. That is why these Yogurt & Fruit Parfaits with triple zero yogurt from Oikos works in these treats. It’s low in sugar and provides a decent amount of protein, while tasting delicious with fresh fruit and our favorite granola.
2. Mini Fruit Pizzas!
Fruit pizza has been around for decades! The base is usually made with hydrogenated oils and lots of sugar on top of bleached white flour cookies or the famous store-bought brand with the same ingredients. Let’s make it healthier with some gluten-free nuts, some delicious triple zero (stevia only sweetened) Oikos yogurt, and fresh fruit!
3. Watermelon Bowl
Who loves an easy throw away item to take to a party that doesn’t risk food poisoning? ME! I learned this years ago in some Woman’s Day magazine, I’m sure! But the idea is perfect. I slice my watermelon down the middle. Set aside a large bowl and begin to carefully slice and remove the chunks. I then wash my blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, and kiwi and chop them, too.
Once the watermelon is empty and smooth, I start taking small cuts around the edges and remove them to create a nice design. On the bottom I make a fine little slice removing the curve but not puncturing the “bowl”, so it sits flat. I fill it with all the chopped fruit, cover it with plastic (I know, ick! But what other options do I have? Let me know what you would use in it’s place!)
Easy. Simple. Delicious. We’re off to the party.
I hope your 4th of July is wonderful. We can celebrate our freedom in this very unique country founded on the principles of openly practicing our faith. A faith not hindered by governing bodies who fear the ONE authority who is truly in control of our freedom.
Even with all its flaws, it is still a joy, an honor, and a privilege to live in such a beautiful place that allows you and I to honor God and worship Him.
Today, as we celebrate our country’s freedom from oppression, may we never forget who died for our eternal freedom!
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17
May God bless you and our country today and every day!
