How you can shape up your summer snacking

(ARA) - Summer is here, and that means barbecues, get-togethers and outdoor parties with friends and family. With so many tempting treats, it can be hard to snack smartly, but some easy substitutions here and there can keep the whole family on track all summer long.

"The secret to healthy eating is to eat real foods, and ditch anything artificial," says Ashley Koff, registered dietician and founder of Ashley Koff Approved (AKA). Ashley founded AKA as an easy resource of foods that help empower everyone to make healthier choices. All AKA foods have been reviewed by Ashley and approved as a healthy and quality food choice.

Ashley says you can enjoy your favorite foods; just watch those portion sizes. Don't give up that daily latte, but order a small instead of a large. And yes, you can have the quintessential summer snack - potato chips - but look for a bag of baked chips made from real, whole slices of potatoes (not potato bits molded back into the shape of a chip), like Kettle Brand Baked Potato Chips(R). They're delicious, crunchy and lower in fat so you don't feel like you're missing out.

If you're faced with a buffet table of delicious food at a family get-together, look for real, recognizable foods and load up your plate with fruits and vegetables. Ashley recommends to "always choose high-quality ingredients - for example, swap soda for water or coconut water and cream-based dips for guacamole."

When trying to incorporate food changes, get the family involved. If the whole family is on board, it will be much easier to stay on track and achieve healthy living goals. Here are some summer snacks that are Ashley Koff Approved (and yes, they taste good):

1. Real potato chips: Choose organic or baked (with the skins still on) and re-pack into portion-controlled containers, or look for 100 calorie packs, perfect for on-the-go munching. For a nutritionally balanced snack, pack string cheese and salsa along with your chips for some extra protein and veggies.

2. Peanut butter and fruit: Take an organic, whole grain waffle and spread on nut butter (almond, peanut, hazelnut or even sunflower seeds if you're skipping nuts) and top with fresh, sliced strawberries.

3. Quick sundae: Use plain, organic yogurt and add toppings like organic berries, granola or whole grain cereal for flavor and crunch as well as additional nutrients.

4. Dip it: Dips are a perfect way to upgrade nutrition and even squeeze in some veggies. Skip the cheese or ranch dressing and use Greek yogurt for a protein punch. Salsa is a fresh, flavorful addition to any summer spread. Instead of eating a chip with every bite of salsa, crumble a few organic corn tortilla chips into a salad to make a satisfyingly crunchy taco salad with zesty salsa, beans, avocado and chicken.

No matter what happens this summer - barbecues, family get-togethers or pool-side parties - keep these tips in mind to snack smartly all season long.

For more information visit www.ashleykoffapproved.com and www.kettlefoods.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent