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  • ✇MyFitnessPal Blog
  • Slow Cooker Braised Brisket with Root Vegetables MyFitnessPal’s Recipes
     A quick sear and a long, slow braise transform lean brisket into a fork-tender centerpiece. Root vegetables hold their shape beautifully over the long cook time, and the tangy-sweet tomato sauce ties everything together.  Active time: 30 minutes | Total time: 7 hours, 45 min Slow Cooker Braised Brisket with Root Vegetables Ingredients 1 large sweet onion 3 large celery stalks, coarsely chopped 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided 1 tsp black pepper, divided 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp garlic powder 2
     

Slow Cooker Braised Brisket with Root Vegetables

Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Brisket

 A quick sear and a long, slow braise transform lean brisket into a fork-tender centerpiece. Root vegetables hold their shape beautifully over the long cook time, and the tangy-sweet tomato sauce ties everything together.

 Active time: 30 minutes | Total time: 7 hours, 45 min

Slow Cooker Braised Brisket with Root Vegetables

Ingredients

  • 1 large sweet onion
  • 3 large celery stalks, coarsely chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1 tsp black pepper, divided
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 lb (907g) lean, flat-cut beef brisket, trimmed
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1/2 cup (118g) unsalted beef stock
  • 1 1/2 cups (383g) canned tomato puree
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60g) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 lb (680g) baby Yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 lb (454g) turnips, peeled and cut into large wedges
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

Directions

Cut the onion in half vertically (from root to stem end); cut each half vertically into thick slices. Arrange the onion and celery in the bottom of a slow cooker.

In a small bowl, combine 3/4 tsp of the salt, 1/2 tsp of the pepper, cumin, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the brisket.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the brisket and cook until well browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Place the brisket on top of the onion and celery in the slow cooker. Add the beef stock to the skillet, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Pour over the brisket.

In a medium bowl, combine the tomato puree, brown sugar, vinegar, and the remaining 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Pour the mixture over the brisket. Add the potatoes, turnip wedges, and carrot pieces to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low until the brisket and vegetables are tender, about 7 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours).

Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid. Slice the brisket against the grain and arrange on a platter. Spoon the vegetables and sauce over the top and serve.

 Serves: 8 | Serving Size: 3 oz brisket and about 1 1/4 cups vegetables

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 504; Total Fat: 23g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 10g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 120mg; Sodium: 353mg; Carbohydrate: 36g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 17g; Protein: 37g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 585mg; Iron: 23%; Vitamin A: 18%; Vitamin C: 25%; Calcium: 10%

The post Slow Cooker Braised Brisket with Root Vegetables appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

  • ✇Camille Styles
  • 20 Plant-Based Easter Recipes (That Everyone Will Want to Devour) Camille Styles
    It’s that time of year: Easter is just around the corner, and with it comes all the joy of spring’s most delicious offerings. Carrot cake is back, asparagus and arugula are making their seasonal return, and al fresco dining is officially in full swing. And while planning an Easter menu can feel a little overwhelming, these vegan Easter recipes make it easy to put together a spread that feels festive, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking to add more ve
     

20 Plant-Based Easter Recipes (That Everyone Will Want to Devour)

31 March 2026 at 10:30
Camilla Marcus brunch

It’s that time of year: Easter is just around the corner, and with it comes all the joy of spring’s most delicious offerings. Carrot cake is back, asparagus and arugula are making their seasonal return, and al fresco dining is officially in full swing. And while planning an Easter menu can feel a little overwhelming, these vegan Easter recipes make it easy to put together a spread that feels festive, fresh, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking to add more vegetables to your holiday table, these vegan Easter recipes are true standouts. They bring just as much beauty and joy to the celebration as Easter itself, proving that a meal centered around produce can still feel special, abundant, and completely satisfying.

20 Vegan Easter Recipes to Brighten Up Your Table

Traditions vary, but my family typically gathers for Easter in the mid-afternoon. It gives the morning a slower, more relaxed pace and leaves just enough time between lunch and dinner to “rest your eyes,” as my dad would say. There’s no rush to pull together a full brunch situation, and you can graze your way through the afternoon and into the evening. It really is the best of both worlds! That said, more power to the brunch people—there’s nothing like a beautiful spring table in the early afternoon to brighten the day and spark a little extra joy.

And here’s the best part: every recipe on this list works beautifully no matter how you celebrate. From vegan Easter brunch ideas and seasonal side dishes to crowd-pleasing mains, cocktails, and desserts, these vegan Easter recipes make it easy to build a menu everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a fully plant-based gathering or simply adding a few fresh spring dishes to the table, these recipes are festive, flavorful, and perfect for celebrating the season.

vegan flatbread recipe - summer vegetarian recipe

Roasted Carrot and Red Pepper Hummus Flatbread

For a heartier plant-based offering, this vegan flatbread is delish (and simple to whip up!). If you blitz the hummus ahead of time, all that’s left to do is warm your pita, smear on copious amounts of hummus, and top with your favorite veggies.

easy-bruschetta-recipe9

Classic Easy Bruschetta

As a recent tomato fan (used to hate them, sorry), I’m all about bruschetta as an appetizer. This classic bruschetta is, well, classic. All it takes is fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to bring those bruschetta dreams to life. Oh, and toasty sourdough to house these gorgeous toppings. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that you definitely can’t go wrong with!

vegan-pesto-recipe-dairy-free-pesto-0

Vegan Pesto

I like to call this one “anytime pesto” because it takes about ten minutes to go from blender to bowl and enhances just about anything you pair it with. You could use this to top bruschetta, pair with crudités, or as a “sauce” option with your Easter spread. Whichever way you choose to take it, be sure to top this pesto with lots of toasted pine nuts and fresh basil.

Chloe Crane-Leroux's Rainbow Beet Salad

Rainbow Beet Salad

We love this recipe for how it celebrates the season during one of spring’s most joyful gatherings. The colors feel especially festive, and the fresh ingredients make it a lovely contrast to heavier holiday dishes. It’s simple, stunning, and made to be shared.

Detox Salad with Cashew Tamari Dressing

Detox Salad With Cashew-Tamari Dressing

This is exactly the kind of Easter side we want to serve: seasonal, nourishing, and effortlessly beautiful. The mix of greens, crunchy vegetables, and creamy cashew-tamari dressing makes every bite feel special. Plus, those edible flowers make it feel especially festive for a spring gathering.

simple-citrus-salad

5-Ingredient Citrus Salad

I’ll never stop raving about this easier-than-pie citrus salad. All you have to do is peel and slice up a mix of citrus fruits, top with shaved red onion and marcona almonds, and finish with olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it! It’s a whole that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts, and it makes a stunning centerpiece to any table.

pea salad with mint

Pea Salad with Mint and Microgreens

Whether you’re Team Pea or Team Anti-Pea, you can’t help but admire this gorgeously green side dish. It’s full of springtime veggies like peas (duh), spinach, and sugar snap peas. Plus, it gives such spring vibes, no?

Einkorn Salad With Charred Squash

In this salad, einkorn berries straight from the husk are tapped as a textural topping that complements each beautiful element in play. You’ll cook the entire kabocha squash until it’s tender throughout, then layer with radishes, mustard seeds, pine nuts, herbs, and—of course—the einkorn. Consider this your new favorite spring salad, unlocked.

best simple green salad recipe inspired by via carota's insalata verde

The Best Simple Green Salad

This simple green salad with walnuts and fresh herbs is the ideal sidekick to any other vegan Easter recipes you’ve got on your table. It’s simple enough to complement mains without overpowering any flavors. Pro tip? Shake up that dressing the night before so you can drizzle it over the lettuce right before serving.

farro salad with tomatoes

Charlie Bird Farro Salad

Arugula, cherry tomatoes, pistachios, farro, radish, mint, and more—yes, more—come together to make this stunning salad that’s primed and ready to elevate your Easter table. It boasts the perfect balance of heartiness from the farro and freshness from the veggies, with herbs and crunchy pistachios sealing the deal on flavor and texture.

green goddess pasta salad with a lemony zingy dressing and spring vegetables

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a lean, green, and not-so-mean staple for any and all pasta salad lovers. The green content is off the charts, so you can pack in lots of veggies in a different format than your typical salad. It celebrates artichokes, avocado, peas, cucumbers, and a whole slew of fresh herbs to tie it all together.

vegan butternut squash soup recipe ingredients

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

If your Easter table could use something a little cozy, this is the recipe to make. It brings rich flavor and velvety texture, but still feels light enough for a spring gathering. Topped with pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and a drizzle of coconut milk, it’s as pretty as it is satisfying. 

roasted mushrooms

Roasted Mushrooms with Thyme and Smoked Salt

In case you missed it, mushrooms are the new superfood. And in this recipe, they’re superstars as well. You’ll take the little gems to the skillet with olive oil, garlic, and thyme and sauté until they’re caramelized and browned. Then, add in a touch of ghee, apple cider vinegar, and dijon mustard. You can serve these alongside a vegan main or eat them as-is—either way is stunning.

salt and vinegar crispy potatoes-best roast potatoes recipe

Salt & Vinegar Crispy Potatoes

It’s not an exaggeration to say that these are the best potatoes I’ve ever had. As a devout fan of sea salt and vinegar chips, I was immediately inclined to try this OG potato version. And they did not disappoint. Not only are they easy to make, but the recipe only calls for four ingredients that I almost always have on hand. Run, don’t walk to make these—you won’t regret it.

vegan mashed potatoes

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Yes, vegan mashed potatoes are possible and delicious! Here, you’re getting all the buttery, potato-y goodness of traditional mashed potatoes without the actual butter. That’s right—these mashed potatoes let the tuber itself shine with lots of olive oil-laced flavor and texture. They’re silky smooth and only taste indulgent. You get a healthier spin without sacrificing taste. Total win-win.

grapefruit vodka cocktail, salty dog, greyhound recipe, casa zuma recycled glass tumblers

Salty Dog Cocktail

Grapefruit, vodka, and agave come together to create a vibrant cocktail that’s perfect for spring. It’s easy to mix up and refreshing thanks to the tart grapefruit. The best part? You can batch it with everything but the sparkling water, which you can add to each glass just before serving.

spring happy hour, ashleigh amoroso, cocktails, green

Elderberry Spring Cocktail

Vodka, St. Germain, meyer lemon juice, and sparkling water are all you need to make this showstopping spring sipper. It’s festive with those gorgeous floral ice cubes, so I encourage you to give those a try. Dainty chamomile flowers make the cutest cubes, but feel free to experiment! Lavender, forget-me-not’s, thyme—the possibilities are endless.

carrot-cake-cupcakes-camille-styles-9640

Gluten-Free & Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Carrot cake, but in miniature, grab-and-go form. On top of that, this recipe is a cleaned-up classic that you can come back to over and over. With oat milk, maple syrup, walnuts, and shredded carrots, this cupcake is perfect in every way.

gluten-free-strawberry-shortcake-recipe-dairy-free00012

Vegan and Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcakes

This gluten-free, vegan strawberry shortcake is a true spring classic—reimagined with a lighter, plant-based twist that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. With crisp, golden biscuits that stay tender inside and just sweet enough to let the juicy strawberries shine, it’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

banana cashew baked oatmeal

Banana-Cashew Baked Oatmeal

You know all about chilled overnight oats, but let me introduce you to a warm-style oatmeal bake that you can meal prep for your gathering. This oatmeal combines banana, peanut butter, cashews, and cinnamon plus oats and ground flaxseed to bulk up the health benefits. You can prep this entirely beforehand, then either bake it immediately and reheat the next day, or refrigerate and wait to enjoy it straight out of the oven. You can’t go wrong with either.

This post was last updated on March 31, 2026, to include new insights.

The post 20 Plant-Based Easter Recipes (That Everyone Will Want to Devour) appeared first on Camille Styles.

  • ✇MyFitnessPal Blog
  • Pool Party Foods Under 250 Calories Kelsey Costa · MS · RDN
    Everyone loves great pool party foods. And it’s that time of year again. Pool party snack ideas have taken over your social media feeds. It’s good inspiration to plan a festive, fresh menu that fits your health goals.  Choosing dishes that keep you refreshed and energized for another swim—rather than making you ready for a poolside nap—can be challenging. I always feel my best choosing hydrating and nutrient-rich foods that won’t weigh me down. Here are 10 crowd-pleasing, lower-calorie po
     

Pool Party Foods Under 250 Calories

By: Kelsey Costa · MS · RDN
14 May 2026 at 21:34
Two popsicles side-by-side in green and red as a healthy pool part food under 250 calories

Everyone loves great pool party foods. And it’s that time of year again. Pool party snack ideas have taken over your social media feeds. It’s good inspiration to plan a festive, fresh menu that fits your health goals. 

Choosing dishes that keep you refreshed and energized for another swim—rather than making you ready for a poolside nap—can be challenging. I always feel my best choosing hydrating and nutrient-rich foods that won’t weigh me down.

Here are 10 crowd-pleasing, lower-calorie pool party foods (and drinks!) that are perfect for hot days and poolside enjoyment. 

Each light meal and snack on this list contains fewer than 250 calories per serving. This is generally enough to satisfy your hunger without spoiling your appetite for a more substantial meal later (1).

Whether hosting the party or bringing a dish to share, these refreshing and colorful foods will help you feel your best while enjoying summer fun!

10 Pool Party Foods (and Drinks) Under 250 Calories

Looking for easy pool party recipes, make-ahead appetizers, and Instagram-worthy snacks? 

Get ready for your most delicious and energizing pool party yet!

Pool Party Food #1: Frozen Grapes

Sweet, cold, and hydrating, frozen grapes are one of the easiest prep-ahead, grab-n-go poolside snacks.  

Here’s all you need:

  • Seedless grapes, frozen for at least 2 hours 

A one-cup serving of grapes is 124 calories, so even if you eat more than one serving, you’ll still have an appetite for a hearty meal later (2).

This refreshing, low-calorie poolside treat is loaded with antioxidants, especially if you use Concord and dark purple varieties (3). It also has a range of vitamins and minerals that help fight inflammation and support heart health (4, 5). 

Pool Party Tips: 

Freeze a few varieties for a more fun, colorful mix. Serve in single-serve silicone cupcake liners for easy, no-mess snacking. Or, if you’re okay with everyone reaching into the same bowls, place a few bowls on ice around the pool. 

 Pool Party Food #2: Chilled Edamame with Sea Salt 

Chilled edamame is refreshing and holds up well in the heat, making it a surprising pool-side snack. 

At the grocery store, simply grab some:

  • Unshelled edamame pods 
  • Sea salt

One cup of cooked edamame in the pod has just 188 calories. Plus, it packs an impressive 18 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, making it filling and helpful for weight management goals (6, 7, 8). 

It also has a low glycemic index. This means it won’t cause a rapid spike (and drop) in blood sugar levels (9). In other words, it will help you maintain steady energy instead of feeling a sudden crash that could leave you snoozing in the sun.

Pool Party Tips: 

Toss steamed pods with flaky sea salt and lemon zest for extra flavor. Keep chilled in a cooler and serve in non-breakable containers with lids for easy portioning and sharing.

Pool Party Food #3: Chili Lime Roasted Chickpeas

I love this snack’s satisfying crunch, bold taste, and plant-based protein content. It’s healthier than most chips coated with similar flavors, but just as delicious, making it a win-win.

Grab a bag of store-bought chili lime chickpeas or make a big batch and watch it disappear!

If you’re cooking the chickpeas at home, you’ll need:

  • Canned chickpeas 
  • Olive oil 
  • Lime juice 
  • Seasonings: chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt

Not only are they tasty, but chickpeas are a nutrient-packed food, providing an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber (10). 

A 1/4 cup serving has about 120 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber. This makes them good for digestive health and helps you feel full (10, 11).

Pool Party Tips: 

Roasted chickpeas are best stored at room temperature in a loosely covered container to keep them crispy (12). This means you don’t need to worry about keeping them on ice by the pool. Pack in small, lidded containers so they won’t get soggy by the water. But don’t prep them too far in advance—for the best texture, enjoy them within a day or two of roasting (12)! 

Pool Party Food #4: Honey Basted Grilled Peaches with Greek Yogurt

This Honey Basted Grilled Peaches with Greek Yogurt recipe perfectly balances summer fruit flavors with creamy greek yogurt. No grill? No problem! Enjoy all of the flavors of this dish by skipping the grilling step.

To try this recipe, you’ll need: 

  • Peaches
  • Greek yogurt
  • Honey

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. A serving has about 120 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein.

Plus, it has water-rich fruits that help fight dehydration in the hot summer sun. Peaches, for example, are made up of about 89% water (13)! 

Pool Party Tips: 

Prep the dish the night before. Serve with wide spoons in compostable bowls to avoid poolside glassware. 

Pool Party Food #5: Piña Colada Popsicles

These Piña Colada Popsicles are a delicious, creamy treat perfect for sunny days, offering all the tropical vibes without the booze.

Easy to make ahead, they’re an alcohol-free take on the classic summer drink and sure to be a hit for adults (and kiddos, too)!

To make these treats, you’ll need a popsicle mold, and: 

  • Canned coconut milk 
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Vanilla extract 
  • 85% unsweetened dark chocolate 
  • Coconut oil
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes 

Each plant-based popsicle has real fruit for natural sweetness in every bite. At 238 calories per pop, they’re a healthier alternative to most store-bought options, which often have added sugars and artificial ingredients.

Plus, coconut milk is naturally rich in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, making these popsicles a great option for extra hydration during those hot summer days (14).

Pool Party Tips: 

These aren’t a last-minute treat—you’ll need to plan as they must be set in popsicle molds in the freezer for at least 8 hours. Be sure to make extra, as they are guaranteed to run out quickly! These popsicles are naturally gluten-free; if you opt for dairy-free dark chocolate, they’re vegan, too.

Pool Party Food #6: Soft-Serve Frozen Fruit Bowls

I love blending frozen bananas with other frozen fruits to enjoy tasty soft-serve fruit desserts that are perfect by the pool all summer long!

You can mix up any of your favorite fruit combinations, but my go-to includes:

  • Sliced frozen bananas
  • Frozen mango chunks
  • Frozen strawberries

Let the fruit defrost for about 10 minutes, then blend it in a frozen dessert maker, blender, or food processor until it’s smooth and creamy. Voila, you’ve got a delicious “nice cream” ready to serve!

The calorie count will depend on the fruits you choose and how much fruit you use.

For example, use one medium banana, 1/2 cup strawberries, and 1/2 cup mango per serving. This gets you a yummy bowl with just 199 calories, packed with fiber and potassium for a healthy dessert option (15, 16, 17).

Pool Party Tips:

Soft-serve frozen fruit bowls are the perfect poolside treat for a small gathering! They’re best enjoyed right after blending, so avoid making large batches. Let your guests pick their favorite fruit flavors. Then, make individual servings and serve them immediately.   

Pool Party Food #7: Egg Salad Provencal in Lettuce Wraps

Tired of plain old egg salad by the pool? Try shaking things up with a savory and satisfying recipe for Egg Salad Provencal in Lettuce Wraps.

To make it, you’ll need: 

  • Hard-boiled eggs 
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Green olives
  • Lettuce leaves
  • White wine vinegar
  • Olive oil

This light vegetarian salad is a flavorful and protein-packed dish that hits the perfect balance—it’s filling enough to keep you satisfied between meals, yet light enough to enjoy by the pool before diving back in.

With 162 calories and 10 grams of protein it provides lasting energy and fullness (7). 

The lettuce wraps also add a refreshing boost of water-rich veggies, keeping your meal light and revitalizing (18).

Pool Party Tips: 

Serving this salad in bell pepper halves can create even more colorful, handheld appetizers. You could also serve it as a dip with whole-grain or seed-based crackers. Either way, keep it chilled on ice to avoid any spoilage in the hot summer weather.

Pool Party Food #8: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

A cookout classic perfect for pool parties! These speedy-to-grill shrimp skewers are a great finger food for sun-soaked gatherings. 

To make them, you’ll need: 

  • Wild-caught raw shrimp 
  • Olive oil 
  • Lemon juice 
  • Your favorite shrimp seasoning
  • Skewers 

Simply marinate for about 2 hours, skewer, then grill it. Cook until it’s opaque and pinkish-orange and an internal temperature of 145°F, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.  

These skewers are packed with nutrition. They offer around 220 calories and a whopping 23 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving of shrimp with olive oil marinade (19). 

Shrimp is a lean, nutrient-dense, and low-calorie choice, making it a perfect poolside protein for a snack or small meal. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, and iodine (20).

Pool Party Tips: 

Serve warm straight off the grill or chilled with a lemon wedge. Pair your shrimp with barbecue-worthy fruits like grilled pineapple or mango for extra flavor and appeal. You can skewer them alongside your main ingredients or serve them as a vibrant side. 

Pool Party Food #9: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This recipe for Spinach and Artichoke Dip lightens up a classic party dip – perfect for pool season!

To make this healthier dip recipe, you’ll need: 

  • Low-fat Neufchatel cheese
  • Greek yogurt 
  • Spinach 
  • Artichokes 
  • Part-skim mozzarella
  • Baked whole-grain pita chips 

This creamy, tangy snack is lighter than traditional versions thanks to its extra veggies, protein-rich Greek yogurt, and reduced-fat Neufchatel cheese. 

It’s a crowd-pleaser with just 179 calories and a hearty 10 grams of protein (if you can stick to one serving)! Plus, it offers some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, thanks to the spinach and artichokes (21, 22).

Pool Party Tips: 

Serve chips and dip in wide-mouthed cups for easy snacking by the pool—no plates required! Use store-bought whole-grain pita chips to save time. Or, if you prefer gluten-free options, pair this dip with raw veggie sticks or gluten-free chips for a delicious alternative.

Pool Party Food #10: Simple Protein Spinach Smoothie

Tropical green smoothies taste like summer to me!

This Simple Protein Spinach Smoothie is a nutrient-packed poolside beverage.

To make this hydrating smoothie recipe, you’ll need:

  • Spinach
  • Frozen pineapple 
  • Milk
  • Frozen banana
  • Honey

Thirst-quenching and naturally sweet, this green smoothie is great for cooling off with friends after some fun in the sun.

Each serving is about 245 calories with an impressive 17 grams of protein. It’s also brimming with antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds to help you feel your best (23, 24). 

Pool Party Tips: 

Serve in reusable tumblers with stainless steel straws instead of glassware for safety and convenience around the pool. 

Bonus Pool Party Drink: Dried Hibiscus Mocktails  

Vibrant and refreshing, the Dried Hibiscus Mocktail is a pool party showstopper with its bold color and light flavor. 

To make it, you’ll need: 

  • Dried hibiscus leaves 
  • Orange peel 
  • Star anise 
  • Cinnamon 
  • Monk fruit powder 
  • Sparkling water

Healthy mocktails are gaining popularity, for good reason. They provide a refreshing, alcohol-free option to support your wellness goals (25). Plus, healthy versions of these drinks have less sugar and calories compared to traditional cocktails. 

This mocktail doesn’t provide energy to qualify as a snack or mini meal. But, it’s a hydrating, caffeine-free option rich in antioxidants from hibiscus leaves, making it a healthy addition to your light summer poolside menu (26). (And it’s easy to batch-serve for guests!)

Pool Party Tips: 

Serve chilled with ice in stemless wine glasses. Add garnishes like edible flowers and orange slices or peel twists to a pitcher for a stunning presentation! 

Make This Summer’s Pool Party Foods Better (And Healthier!)

Eating well at summer gatherings doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun foods. Instead, bring healthy and delicious summer party foods that everyone will enjoy. 

These low-calorie party foods combine great taste, nutritious ingredients, and the “treat yourself” vibes that pool parties are all about.

Keep this list handy for your next pool party or backyard gathering, and you’ll have a menu that will impress your guests without weighing them down!

For extra inspiration, check out more MyFitnessPal healthy recipes for a flavorful and fun summer season.

Originally published June 4, 2025; Updated May 2026

The post Pool Party Foods Under 250 Calories appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

  • ✇The Daily Cartoonist
  • 100 Years Ago: E&P Directory of Syndicated Comic Art 1926 D. D. Degg
    In the June 5, 1926 issue Editor & Publisher presented their “Third Annual Directory of Press Features.” The Newspaper Art section listed “Cartoons, Comic Strips, Magazine Covers and Sketches” available to, well, editors and publishers of newspapers and other publications. Note: most of the cartoons listed in the other sections are listed here under “Cartoons.” […]
     

100 Years Ago: E&P Directory of Syndicated Comic Art 1926

5 June 2026 at 19:55
In the June 5, 1926 issue Editor & Publisher presented their “Third Annual Directory of Press Features.” The Newspaper Art section listed “Cartoons, Comic Strips, Magazine Covers and Sketches” available to, well, editors and publishers of newspapers and other publications. Note: most of the cartoons listed in the other sections are listed here under “Cartoons.” […]

How Cristiano Ronaldo Became A Billionaire

Ronaldo has earned more during his playing career than any athlete in history and now enters the World Cup as the world's newest billionaire, alongside Lionel Messi.

© Tim Clayton/Getty Images

Mum posts open letter to AirAsia after daughter is removed from flight from Singapore to Kuching

5 June 2026 at 15:01

SINGAPORE: What should have been a routine flight on AirAsia from Singapore to Kuching for one mother became anything but that after her daughter, who has cerebral palsy, was disallowed from flying despite already having been cleared during check-in procedures.

The pilot had decided to deny the use of the young girl’s seat and asked for the whole family, which consisted of Syarifah Ella Wan Wahab, her husband, their three children, and their helper, to disembark.

While the offloading itself was a significant inconvenience to Mdm Syarifah and her family, what appears to have really bothered her was how it was handled, in that no clear explanation was given to them.

The incident occurred on May 26. The family was already seated in the front row of their AirAsia flight, having gone through check-in, immigration clearance, and boarding procedures. 

Everyone else was already on board when the family was told that the pilot in command had made a decision regarding the young girl’s FAA-approved special aircraft/car seat.

“What made the situation even more confusing was that the seat had already been declared during check-in at Changi Airport. The ground staff were fully aware of my daughter’s condition (quadriplegic cerebral palsy, bahasa mudah: lumpuh) and had specifically asked us about her age, weight, the seat’s weight, and her medical condition,” wrote Mdm Syarifah, adding that her daughter’s special seat had been discussed by the staff, but they eventually approved it.

She further explained that her daughter attends a school for children with the same condition and has flown both locally and internationally using the same seat, even on AirAsia flights.

Not only is the child medically fit to fly, but she was also accompanied by her parents, both of whom are healthcare professionals.

While underlining that she respects that the pilot has the final say, Mdm Syarifah wrote that when they asked for the reason for their offloading, they were only told, “It is our policy.”

“A simple conversation, some discretion, or even basic communication regarding what specific safety concern had arisen could have made a huge difference. Instead, without any real discussion or attempt at finding a middle ground, our family (including our other two young children aged 1 year 6 months and 4 months old) was publicly offloaded after boarding. It was emotionally distressing, humiliating, and heartbreaking for our family, especially for Zara,” she wrote.

After being removed from the flight, the family was told they might be able to take a later flight, but only if the next pilot agreed to accommodate their daughter. Unwilling to face further uncertainty, they declined.

The mum has since requested that AirAsia provide a formal explanation of the reasons behind the offloading, its accommodations for passengers with disabilities or special needs, and better communications training for its staff, adding that her desire is to improve treatment of families with special-needs children. Children with disabilities deserve equal opportunities to travel with dignity while maintaining safety standards and calls for clearer, more inclusive policies, she wrote.

In her posts after the incident, Mdm Syarifah said their refund has been processed, but “while AirAsia has reached out to us, they specifically requested a five-working-day period to review the matter and provide a formal explanation. As such, we are still awaiting their official response.” 

The airline told CNA on June 3 that it is reviewing its policies and procedures in light of the incident. /TISG

Read also: Commenters say that passengers who brawled on AirAsia X light from KL to China should get a lifetime ban

This article (Mum posts open letter to AirAsia after daughter is removed from flight from Singapore to Kuching) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

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