Top 3 Healthy Summer Switches

We’ve got some tasty swaps to keep cool, stay on your weight loss journey and shed the kilos during these warmer months.

Switch 1 - ice cream vs nice cream

If the freezer aisle at Woolworths is a constant temptation, we’ve got the perfect summer fix to satisfy that ice-cold sweet tooth. Instead of reaching in and grabbing a box of magnums or Cornettos, swing by the fruit section - you might be surprised with what can be ‘nice’ cream!

To make your ice cream we recommend selecting ‘creamier’ fruits such as bananas, mangos or strawberries. Alternatively, snag a bag of frozen fruit in the freezer section to pack in a mix of delicious healthy treats.

If fresh, peel your mangoes, bananas or the fruit of your choosing, cut it up ahead of time and pop in the freezer overnight - or if you’ve got limited time, aim for at least three hours.

Grab a blender and pop in your frozen fruity treats, add honey for a natural sweetener if you have an extra sweet tooth. To add a little Man Shake kick, add a scoop (9g) of your favourite shake! Blend until creamy and then serve!

Switch 2 – Coca cola vs kombucha

It’s no secret that a cheeky ice-cold can of Coca-Cola can quench any summer day thirst, but have you tried kombucha instead?

Kombucha (also known as kombucha tea) is a fermented, sweetened black tea - often sweetened with juice, spices and other natural flavourings to enhance the distinct, sometimes spicy (yes surprisingly delicious!) aromatics of the drink.

Some fun facts about kombucha that you might not know are:

1. Kombucha is the byproduct of black tea going through a symbiotic fermentation process, which is when lots of organisms react with each other
2. The bacteria that develops in the kombucha is considered a “good” bacteria, and holds a living probiotic quality, meaning it’s good for your gut and digestion! You already have probiotics naturally forming in your gut, so essentially, they buddy up with the kombucha “good” bacteria and make a super-gut duo!
3. Kombucha has a number of health benefit claims, including helping with arthritis, constipation and diabetes.

You can pick up a canned kombucha at any supermarket as a delicious healthy swap for a can of coke or beer. We recommend serving chilled with ice and a slice of lemon for that summertime feeling!

Switch 3 - spring rolls vs rice paper rolls

With the heat setting in, it's easy to opt out on being in a hot kitchen and order takeout. If your go-to delivery includes anything deep-fried, listen up.

Our current office lunchtime favourite are homemade rice paper rolls. Delicious, nutritious and keeps you full for hours, this quick and healthy switch is not to be missed.

Swing by your local supermarket and pick up some rice paper, this is usually found in the Asian & International aisle. As well as being great for you, rice paper rolls are also great for your summer budget, with the rice paper coming in at less than $2.50 a pack (worth 2-3 serves!).

We recommend grabbing some of your favourite fresh veggies - think carrots, peppers, cucumber, bean sprouts and lettuce. For extra added protein shredded chicken breast or tuna.

Rice paper rolls offer a filling, quick meal whilst also being low in fats and carbohydrates. Packing it full of veggies ensures a high fibre, high protein, mineral and vitamin alternative to spring rolls and other deep-fried takeout options. Rice paper rolls are a great lunchbox staple as they’re healthy, quick and easily transportable.