Healthy Beach Snacks
As you lay back on your bright beach towel, with your sunglasses shielding the luminous sun, a feeling of hunger begins to rise from within. You dip your anxious hand into the snack bag to see what you packed and pull out a bag of greasy and fat-filled potato chips. Suddenly, you disappointedly remember you had not remembered to pack any snacks which was why you were holding the only thing that was left at the local snack shop before your trip to the beach.
You begin to eat your chips, and your hungry is temporarily satiated. However within moments the excess carbs in the fried snack give your stomach a turn for the worse and you wish you had the delicious fruit that your beach neighbor is suckling on next to you.
Do not be the person in the above illustration! Make the time to pack something healthy on your trip to the sandy beach this summer. Below are a few great summer snacks to pack in your cooler with hydrating drinks.
1. Watermelon cubes.
This is the ultimate summer fruit and with a little prep work at home it can be easy to take along. All you need is a plastic fork, a Tupperware container and voila! You have got the perfect refreshing and sweet snack to eat while lounging in your chair.
2. Mango and yogurt smoothie.
Think this one is hard? Not at all. Buy a pureed can of mangoes and a container of yogurt and mix it together in a blender with ice. Pour it into a large thermos and bring along paper cups and straws and you are ready for a fresh summer drink. This gives you both fruit and dairy. No need for sugar either since the natural mango fruit has more than enough. Wonder what this is called in a restaurant? Go to your local Indian restaurant and ask for a Mango Lassi. It’s delicious and healthy!
3. Berry Mix.
Take strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and mix it together into a container. The strawberries and raspberries are heavy on the fiber, while the blueberries add the extra kick of antioxidants your body craves on a daily basis. Munch on this mix instead of trail mix and keep your gorgeous summer figure.
4. Dark Rye Crackers with Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese
If you are not one for all the fruits, bring your own crackers and cheese. Be sure to stick to whole grain crackers and bring pre-cut cheese slices for minimal work as you get your suntan.
5. Leave the Soda/beer behind and bring water!
It’s essential to bring extra water to the beach. The temptation to bring carbonated drinks and alcohol is strong, but realize that these items actually dehydrate you sooner. Having water will keep you cool and help you with digestion.
