3 RECIPES FOR SUMMER ON THE GO

(BPT) - Road trips with your family, beach days with friends and solo hikes to ease your mind and enjoy the scenery — summer is one of the most exciting times to explore the outdoors. No matter where you live, there is something about summer that just makes you feel good, but how can you fuel good too? The most important item, next to water, is always a snack, and Registered Dietitian Marisa Moore weighs in on the perfect one that will elevate your next adventure.

When it comes to outdoor bites, Marisa believes the perfect kind is one that's “portable and non-perishable but also one that provides energizing carbs plus protein and fiber for staying power.” If you’re looking for an energy boost and in need of options, almonds are the best go-to. “Almonds’ power-packed nutrition makes it easy to snack healthy – just one ounce (one handful) delivers 6g of natural, plant-based protein, 4g of filling fiber, 13g of good unsaturated fats and 1g of saturated fat,” says Marisa. “They are truly an action-packed snack that is healthy, versatile and give you the fuel needed to finish the day strong.”

Marisa recommends three recipes when prepping goodies to take on your next exploration. Forgetting to pack food without the right nutrients never ends well, so remember that almonds always get the job done. From protein bites to a zesty handful of almonds to a refreshing summer smoothie, these playful almond recipes will leave you feeling energized and ready for your next day in the sun.

Almond Butter Fuel-up Bites

Ingredients (Serves 10 balls)

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 3 medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
• Optional: 10 unroasted whole almonds

Preparation:

• Combine almond butter, coconut flour, medjool dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and salt into a food processor or blender and combine until the mixture is super-smooth. (Tip: pause the food processor/blender several times to pull all the ingredients to the middle using a spatula while mixing.)
• Scoop mixture onto parchment paper and hand-roll into 10 evenly sized balls.
• If desired, roll the balls in unsweetened coconut flakes and top each ball with a whole almond for added texture and crunch!
• Chill balls in fridge for at least an hour.

Chile Lime Almonds

Ingredients:

• Almonds
• Your preferred oil
• Your favorite chile powder
• Lime zest

Preparation:

• Add almonds to a pan with oil, your favorite chile powder and lime zest.
• Heat until the almonds are well-coated and the spices are cooked through.
• Let cool.
• Enjoy a handful of these chile lime almonds whenever the mood strikes.

Peach Vanilla Smoothie

Ingredients:

• Almond milk
• Frozen peaches
• Dates or bananas
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Chopped almonds
• Optional: Spinach

Preparation:

• Add almond milk as the base with frozen peaches, dates (or banana), a splash of vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon into a blender. Blend until desired consistency.
• Pour into a cup and add chopped almonds on top for crunch.

 

How Buyers and Sellers Feel About Today's Housing Market

(Family Features) In the hottest real estate market in a generation, homes are flying off the market at record pace, there’s fierce competition among buyers and there’s limited housing supply to meet growing demand.

Many first-time buyers are wondering how they’ll be able to achieve their dreams of homeownership while many sellers are in a bind and asking, “How will I find my next home?”

Leading digital real estate platform Opendoor has dug deeper into how the red-hot housing market is affecting Americans across the country. Now, it’s revealing the feelings of home buyers and sellers across generations, from Zillennials, the micro-generation born between 1993-1998, and Millennials to Generation X and Baby Boomers.

Housing Optimism on the Horizon
There’s no doubt about it: it’s a seller’s market. Most Americans predict the current state of the market will continue. In fact, across generations, 71% believe the housing market will get even better for sellers with most agreeing now is a good time to sell.

Despite rising home prices, the majority of those surveyed (73%) agree buying a home is also a good investment right now with 53% of respondents expecting the available inventory on the market to increase.

Overcoming the Homeowner’s Dilemma
While many homeowners have reaped the benefits of the seller’s market, two-thirds of sellers are also buyers, and they are feeling the stress of finding their next home. In fact, 32% of sellers said finding their next home is a top concern.

This is where Opendoor comes in, providing a simple way to buy, sell and trade homes in one seamless transaction. Homeowners can sell their homes directly, bypassing the hassle of staging, showings and conducting repairs. They receive a cash offer and can move on their timeline. Meanwhile, buyers have the ability to compete in today’s market by presenting a contingency-free cash offer.

Buying with an Edge
In this market, homes are going above asking price, and buyers are coming in with all-cash offers or waiving contingencies to make their offer stronger. However, not everyone has enough cash on hand.

However, buyers who use an Opendoor-backed offer provide the certainty of an all-cash offer to the seller, free of financing, appraisal and home sale contingencies, even if you need a home loan, with no surprises, extra work or additional costs.

The real estate market can be competitive, stressful and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Find more tips to navigate the home buying and selling process at Opendoor.com.

SOURCE:
Opendoor
 

KID-FRIENDLY SUMMER SNACKING

 

(Family Features) Summer sun means it’s time for warm-weather fun for kids of all ages, and all that activity and playing calls for snacks and hydration to recharge. Whether your children like to play poolside or take a bicycle adventure through the neighborhood, the right nutrient-dense foods can keep the fun going all day long.

For an option that quenches hunger (and thirst) without sacrificing nutrition, try an assortment of ways to enjoy watermelon. As a refreshing ingredient or standalone treat, watermelon includes just 80 calories and no fat while providing an excellent source of vitamin C (25%) and higher levels of lycopene (12.7 mg per 2-cup serving) – an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection – than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Plus, it’s made of 92% water, meaning it’s a flavorful way to encourage kids to rehydrate during some fun in the sun.

Make watermelon part of a balanced snack plate with this Kids Charcuterie Snack Board including assorted watermelon, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliced veggies, sliced fruits, crackers, pretzels and more. In addition to the nutritional benefits, the simplicity of this snack means children can help assemble it while showing off their creativity.

Visit watermelon.org to find more kid-friendly recipe ideas.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Kids Charcuterie Snack Board

Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

• Cubed watermelon
• watermelon balls, skewered
• watermelon wedges
• watermelon sticks
• flower-shaped watermelon cutouts
• peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, halved
• ham and cheese pinwheels
• sliced veggies, such as cucumbers, carrots, sweet peppers and celery
• sliced fruit
• pretzels
• crackers
• small bowl of candy (optional)

1. Prepare watermelon, sandwiches, pinwheels, veggies, fruit, pretzels, crackers and candy, if desired.
2. On large board or platter, arrange all ingredients.

SOURCE:
National Watermelon Promotion Board