Whether hitting the road for a vacation, enjoying the great outdoors and warm weather or simply spending time with family and friends, your summer schedule is likely anything but slow. An on-the-go summer lifestyle requires energy, and portable meals and in-season ingredients are keys to a healthy eating strategy that can power you through the season.

You can start by identifying foods that will keep you satisfied and energetic – and foods that are low in carbohydrates are a perfect fit. If you are looking for recipes and tips.

These recipes show how deliciously simple it can be to enjoy low-carb eating with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as blackberries, cucumber and avocado, in flavorful salads and refreshing beverages perfect for a break in a busy summer day.

Power Up with Protein
Whether you’re headed to the gym or trying to power through a busy summer day, protein bars and drinks provide a steady fuel source. Many high-protein and high-fiber snacks can create sugar spikes and crashes, so it’s important to look for a protein boost that is low in carbs and sugar.

Crab and Avocado Salad

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 16 ounces canned crab
• 2 medium (7 1/2-8 inches) stalks celery, diced
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 avocado, skinned, seeded and cubed
• 3 cups chopped watercress

Preparation

1. In large bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin and paprika.
2. Add crab meat and diced celery. Mix well; add salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
3. Gently stir in avocado cubes.
4. Divide watercress on four plates; top with salad.

Serves
4

Preparation Time:
20 minutes

Blackberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese Medallions

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 ounce soft goat cheese
• 1/4 cup halved pecans
• 1/4 medium sliced (1/8-inch thick) red onions
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon xylitol
• 12 ounces blackberries, divided
• 1 1/3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• salt
• black pepper
• 9 cups baby spinach
• 30 cherry tomatoes

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350°F.
2. In small, shallow bowl, whisk egg. Cut goat cheese into 12 1/2-inch rounds or roll into 12 equal balls and flatten. Dip each round into egg mixture and then roll in pecans, pressing them into cheese, if necessary.
3. Place rounds onto sheet pan and bake 10 minutes, or saute in pan over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from oven or pan and allow to cool slightly.
4. In saute pan over medium heat, cook onion in oil with ground cinnamon and granular sugar substitute, about 3 minutes. Add 6 ounces of blackberries and smash each with a fork. Cook 3-4 minutes then add balsamic vinegar and season with salt and black pepper.
5. Cook another 2 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool. Dressing can be used warm or cooled further. Add lemon juice or water if thinner consistency is desired.
6. Combine spinach, tomatoes and remaining blackberries. Toss with half of the dressing then place goat cheese medallions on top. Serve with remaining dressing on the side.

Serves
6

Preparation Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Almond-Pineapple Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (8 ounces) plain yogurt
• 2 1/2 ounces fresh pineapple
• 20 whole blanched and slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Preparation

1. In blender, combine yogurt, pineapple, almonds and almond milk and puree until smooth and creamy.

Serves
1

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Other low-carb fruits or nuts can be substituted for pineapple and/or almonds.

Preparation Time:
5 minutes

Smoked Salmon, Cucumber and Cream Cheese Roll-Up

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 3 ounces smoked Chinook salmon
• 1/2 cucumber

Preparation

1. Spread cream cheese onto smoked salmon, place cucumber at one edge and roll up with salmon and cream cheese.

Serves
1

Preparation Time:
5 minutes

Vegetarian Turkey, Swiss and Asparagus Roll-Up

Ingredients

• 6 slices meatless veggie turkey
• 3 slices Swiss cheese
• 3 medium (5 1/4- 7 inches) spears asparagus

Preparation

1. Lay down 2 slices of turkey then one slice of cheese.
2. Place an asparagus spear at one end and roll up. Pin with toothpick if desired.
3. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Serves
1

Preparation Time:
5 minutes

Find more recipes and tips to help you achieve a healthier lifestyle at Atkins.com.