Eat Well

Improve your lifestyle just in time for summer by making smarter choices and simple swaps when it comes to snacking, meals and fitness habits. To help you get started, registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., offers a few practical suggestions on ways to continue enjoying the flavors you love while also sticking to your overall wellness goals.

1. Start swapping your snacks now “Chips and guacamole may seem like the perfect warm-weather pairing, but those high-carb dippers can add up fast, possibly making energy levels tank,” said Kirkpatrick.

Instead, keep the healthy fat that guacamole provides, but swap out the dipper. For example, the new Quest Hot & Spicy Protein Chips pack plenty of the flavor and crunch that you want in a snack, without a ton of carbs. They can even add to your protein content for the day, with 19 grams of protein per bag.

2. Take advantage of seasonal produce

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the bounty that nature has to offer. Salads are the perfect meal when tasty, fresh local produce becomes widely available and backyard gardens start producing. Swap the romaine you used all winter for arugula, and switch out the dried cranberries you were piling on for hempseed or shredded radishes.

3. Make simple lifestyle changes

Better health can start today by following new wellness routines. Start by eating more colorful veggies and fruits every day, focus on better sleep - aim for seven hours a night - and start moving more whenever possible. Start today and get your fitness level up by signing up for a short race, or spend time swimming, cycling or walking outdoors with friends and family.