As the school year comes to an end, families face the transition into summertime. This looks different for all families, but this may include children being home during the day, juggling summer camps, child-care, and a whole different daily routine.

In this blog post, we share tips for eating smart on a budget this summer as well as tips for safe ways to move more and get active with your family.

Eat Smart: Summer Meals

On-the-go snacks and meals:

Is your family’s schedule more active during the summer? Do you feel like you’re running from place-to-place and struggling to find time for cooking? This summer, we encourage you to try out a few of our quick, easy, on-the-go meals and snacks. Many of these can be prepared in advance, making them easy to grab on your way out the door. These kid-friendly, nourishing, and tasty snacks are sure to be a hit with your family this summer.

On-the-go breakfasts and lunches:
• Garden Fiesta Tuna Pockets
• Home Run Hummus Wrap
• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
• Egg Salad Sandwiches
• Bean Burritos

Snacks:
• Granola Bars
• Yogurt Fruit Crunch
• Apple Spice Raisin Snack Mix
• Hard Boiled Eggs

If your children are provided breakfast and lunch through their school during the academic year, it may be extra important to save money on groceries and budget on food during the summer months. The recipes shared above are low cost per serving with high nutritional values, but how else can you save money this summer on groceries?

Sticking to Your Grocery Budget – Tips:

1. Have a snack before shopping. When you go to the store hungry, you’re more likely to buy things that aren’t on your shopping list.
2. Look for deals. Read the price tags and calculate the discounts. This could be a good opportunity to stock up on certain items to save money in the long run.
3. Buy store brands rather than name brands. The prices are usually cheaper and the quality is just as good.
4. Pay attention to unit price. Unit price is the cost per ounce, quart, gallon, pound, or any unit of measure. Compare the unit prices of different products rather than the total cost to figure out what produce is the best value.
5. Shop the sales and use coupons. If you read the newspaper, check out the grocery store sales flyers and coupon inserts. Use these sales and discounts to help plan your meals for the week. Watch out for the temptation of less healthy options just because they’re on sale.
6. Join the store’s loyalty program. Many grocery stores offer shoppers the opportunity to sign up for their loyalty programs for free. As a loyalty member, the store may send you coupons based on your previous purchases, and discounts when you shop and scan your loyalty card. Some stores will even allow you to earn gas points.

Move More: A Safe, Active Summer

While it is important to keep our bodies moving during the summer, it is also important to consider extra safety measures while exercising during the hot weather months.

When you and your family are getting your bodies moving outside, we encourage you to keep these tips in mind:

1. Protect your skin and make exercise more comfortable by wearing light, breathable clothing.
2. Stay hydrated!
3. Take advantage of cooler temperatures in the the mornings and evenings when participating in more vigorous physical activity.
4. Do not forget to apply (and reapply!) sunscreen.
5. Listen to your body. Take breaks, and stop exercise completely if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

On the days where the weather is too hot to practice physical activity outdoors, there are plenty of great options for movement indoors. Some include:
– Dancing
– Yoga
– Follow along with an instructor-led video
– Hoola hoops and jump ropes
– Balloon volleyball or soccer
– Set up an indoor activity maze

What are you most excited about this summer?