Stress Less This Summer: Here’s Your Snack-Well, Play-All-Day Survival Guide

June 21, 2017 - Article reads in

A portable speaker, fanny pack, sand bucket, popsicle pool float and Simply Balanced snacks

Summer’s officially here! And whether you’re hitting the road, soaking up the sun or just trying to keep your cool, we can help you make the most of every summer adventure. Whatever your plan, you’re gonna need two go-to staples: simple snacks and creative ways to infuse some fun. So say hello to the stars of our stress-less-this-summer plan: brand new, better-for-you snacks from Simply Balanced (only at Target), paired up with a few of our favorite toys, games and summer gear.

“Summer’s incredibly busy, so we’re always looking for new ways to help our guests and their families eat well while on the go,” says Emily Trappey of Target’s Test Kitchen—a team of nearly 100 food experts that creates every single one of Target’s 3,000+ owned-brand food products. “Our latest batch of better-for-you Simply Balanced finds, from organic, grass-fed jerky to gluten-free treats and more, will help you snack well all summer long.” Add an extra dose of fun with toys, games and gear from Target, and you’re well on your way to stressing less.

Ready for some inspiration? Read on for simple ways to make the most of your summer days…
Hitting the road
Road trips can be, well, a long haul, especially when the kiddos start asking “are we there yet” five minutes into the trip. Keep the car stocked with games like travel bingo, memory or a license plate challenge. And when bellies start rumbling, pull out some protein-packed jerky strips. These new Simply Balanced beef jerky packs (in original and teriyaki) are made with grass-fed, organic beef. They’re delicious, mess-free and with over 13 grams of protein per serving, they’ll keep the kids full until that next fuel stop. For a fun twist, pack a jerky snack mix. Toss jerky, pretzels, nuts and dried fruit in single-serve pouches. Have fun with the combinations!

When you do need to stop, break out some fun character-inspired, spill-proof or stackable bubbles to entertain little kiddos, and treat yourself to a cool can of Simply Balanced Sparkling water to refresh for the next stretch.

Making waves
Ah, the sound of gentle waves lapping on the shore… or the splash of a perfect cannonball. Whatever your water-side style, take your day at the beach or poolside bash to the next level with Instagram-worthy pool floats and seriously fun gear, from sand toys and boomerangs to paddle ball sets. And while you’re at it, summer-fun-superhero, flash back to the 90s with a souped-up fanny pack. This one from Vivitar has a high-tech secret built in—speakers that connect to your smartphone. Is there anything better than hands-free storage that blasts your favorite summer jams?

And for simple, healthy snacks that stand up to the heat, open up a bag of new Simply Balanced Veggie Straws (they’re gluten-free and have 30% less fat than the leading potato chips). Or, just stir up Simply Balanced Organic Mini Twist or Stick Pretzels with everyone’s dip faves, like hummus or nut butters, for an easy, satisfying snack.
Creating a picture-perfect stay-cation
Hunkering down at home? Plan your very own movie night. Pick up your kid’s favorite flick (Beauty and the Beast or LEGO Batman, anyone?) and pop up some Simply Balanced Organic Kettle Popcorn—this sweet-and-salty treat has just 50 calories per cup. Or, take your popcorn up a notch by sprinkling with cinnamon-sugar, drizzling with hot sauce or tossing in sweet, crispy dried fruit like these strawberries. Then settle in for a relaxing evening. Or, take the movie fun outdoors for a backyard showing under the stars.

Keeping your cool
And for the sweltering summer days when you can’t make it to the beach—or just want to throw together some festive fun with the neighbors? Cool down in the backyard. Just hook up the sprinkler, turn on some tunes (you’ll love these new wireless speakers from FABRIQ) and break out the water balloons! If you’re not in the mood for hand-tying balloons, no worries. Just pick up a pack of Bunch-o-Balloons you’ll have 100 balloons ready to go in 60 seconds flat.

For an effortless snack that won’t heat up the house, lay out a DIY nacho bar spread. Start with our new Simply Balanced Organic Tortilla Chips (go restaurant-style, pick multi-grain corn chips or, for something a little different, try the sweet potato variety). Then add bowls of toppings like organic salsa, black beans, chopped avocado, cilantro and wedges of lime. Use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and you’re good to go!

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out Target or Target.com for even more ways to make sure your summer’s nothing short of amazingly fun.