Published May 1, 2024

Summer months often mean schedules full of trips, sporting events, and other social gatherings. A common theme is often food, whether it be road-trip snacks, cooler snacks for the soccer team, or a dish to share at your favorite watch party. Our dietitians are here to offer some simple, health-minded swaps to help you on your wellness path and keep you ready for your next activity.

Recipes.

Packing snacks for a beach day or road trip? Plan ahead.

Swap those processed fruit gummies for some fresh or dried fruit from our Produce department. Or ditch that bag of potato chips for preportioned grab-and-go chips and guacamole or carrots and hummus from the Deli. If you plan to pick up subs, save time by ordering ahead online.

Bringing snacks for the team? Think outside the box.

Skip the candy and try some frozen grapes. Popping fresh, delicious grapes in the freezer first will help keep the team refreshed. Instead of grabbing nachos at the concession stand, try cheese-flavored popcorn, which often has fewer calories but still packs that cheesy flavor. Sometimes a swap can be as simple as choosing a snack in the same category that is just a little better for you, like picking a dried fruit without added sugar versus ones that are sweetened.

When shopping the aisles at Publix, look for our Better Choice tags. Our team of dietitians has already done some of that vetting for you, so you can feel confident you are making the right choices.

Making a dish for a watch party or potluck? Swap ingredients to make it lighter.

Does that casserole call for a cup of sour cream? Swap it for a plain Greek yogurt to get your protein up and calories down. Looking to include more vegetables? Adjusting ratios can help you get in more vegetables per serving. It’s often ok to be heavy-handed with the vegetables in a recipe. Check out our chef's veggie-packed take on burgoo with our Multicooker Hearty Meat and Vegetable Stew.

Making a dish that calls for quite a bit of cheese? Try a reduced fat variety or simply use less than the recipe calls for. You may be surprised how much you can take out before you even notice.

Making a dish that calls for a fatty meat? Using a lower fat or leaner cut of meat instead can still pack a ton of flavor. Try our Grilled Kentucky Barbecue–Style Pork with Vegetable Skewers to take to your next gathering or for your family dinner.

You can find plenty of health hacks and swaps, some better than others, on the internet. Be sure to consult your doctor or dietitian before making any drastic alterations to your diet. If you're looking for more inspiration or have questions, feel free to email your Publix dietitians.

For the love of you.

Choosing how you eat is uniquely personal. It’s about your needs, your preferences, and your goals. As your wellness ally, we’re in your corner with fresh ideas, recipes, and wellness icons that make it easier to shift toward wiser food choices. It’s all about you, at your very best.