Summer is a great time to kick back and relax. The weather gets hot, and so does the house, which can make any type of cooking a little harder. No one wants to leave the oven on to make something in the oven, and standing over the stove can get really hot. If you’re anything like me and want to save time in between summer festivities, you may often opt for a microwave meal, or something quick from the pantry, giving up some key nutrients your body could be using to keep your body going during all the parties and activities (which no doubt also have a bunch of snack foods). A lot of people go for potato chips and cookies rather than fresh fruits and veggies for the sake of saving time, not even stopping to think about all the yummy (and healthy) choices they could be making instead! Here is a small list of a few ways you can sneak more veggies (and some fruit) into the lazy days of summer with minimal effort.
1. Swap your burger bun for a lettuce bun!
It's a topping and a bun all in one! And, if you wrap it, you get less of a mess from all the juices from the burger and toppings.
2. Take out the mayo and opt for a hummus or avocado topping.
Both are really creamy and taste great! You can buy all different kinds of hummus (like sriracha, or fire roasted pepper), and you can always make a spicy guacamole from the avocados to take the sandwich up a notch.
3. Want fries with your burger? Try baking some veggie fries!
Zucchini and sweet potato fries are so yummy! If you bake them in the oven, they get really crispy, making a perfect substitute for french fries.
4. Craving something sweet? Try sweet potatoes!
Bake em, mash em, steam em, they're so good! Add a little butter and brown sugar, and you'll lose those candy bar cravings after just one bite.
5. Craving something a little crunchy? Try green peppers/carrots/cucumbers and some veggie dip!
Potato chips are one of my go to snacks when I crave something crunchy, but recently I've traded those out for some green peppers and carrot sticks with a little bit of dip. Veggies and dip taste better, and don't leave behind all the chip grease on your fingers!
6. If you find yourself missing chicken salad sandwiches, try zucchini boats with chicken or tuna salad!
Zucchini boats are such a yummy way to have what you want with a veggie twist. If you bake them in the oven with some spices and then put your chicken or tuna salad on top. You'll barely know the bread (which would just sink in your tummy) is missing!
7. Craving pasta salad? Try turning your veggies into pasta!
Zucchini pasta is a healthy, and super delicious alternative to pasta, and it's super east to make! It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into a pasta salad that's primarily cheese, pepperoni and some broccoli. 
8. Want to cool off with popsicles and ice cream? Try a smoothie!
You can make a super yummy and super healthy smoothie that tastes just as good, or even better than, frozen boxed treats. With a little yogurt, your favorite fruit, and maybe some peanut butter or chocolate chips to jazz it up, you'll make a super yummy dessert that will cool you off after running around in the heat all day!
Or frozen bananas!
Freezing and pureeing bananas makes a great (and super creamy) alternative to dairy heavy ice cream. You can add peanut butter, cinnamon, chocolate chips, or anything you like with bananas to it so it caters to your taste buds, and leaves your belly just as happy as ice cream would!
9. Add veggies to your eggs!
Omelets are great ways to add veggies to your daily routine. You don't even really need to know how to make an omelet; Scrambled eggs with some veggies and cheese make a perfect start to any summer day!
10. Lacking time and going for the pretzels/chips? Try buying pre-cut veggies and fruits.
Everyone is always low on time, which is why we always buy pre-made or easy to microwave foods. Instead of going for the microwave snacks and lunches, try buying pre-cut veggies that you can just throw in a cooler and munch on during the day, or prepare meals a day ahead, so you can spend all your time having as much fun as possible.
