I grew up in Virginia Beach and spent many summer days at the oceanfront or down in North Carolina on the Outer Banks. Swimming in the ocean and walking down the shoreline really do work up your appetite. It is really easy to pack healthy snacks for the beach in your beach bag or a small cooler.
Pretzels. These salty snacks are low in fat and provide a satisfying crunch that will fill you up. A common problem when eating at the beach is that food always tastes salty. Since pretzels are already salty you won’t really notice the extra salt left behind by the water on your hands, making pretzels the perfect beach snack. Pack the big kind so they don’t break in when mixed in with all of your beach toys and accessories.
Fruits and Veggies. Most suggestions for healthy snacks include fruit but these are great beach snacks for several reasons. First and foremost they contain a high water content that is good for bodies that are quickly dehydrated by activity in the sun and heat. Sturdy fruits like apples and pears are easy to transport with out causing damage. Grapes are also good but will need to be stored in plastic containers to limit squashing or bruising. If you prefer veggies then slice up some carrots or peppers and bring along some low-fat dip.
100-Calorie Packs. These are perfectly portioned into healthy snacks but are also easily transportable, making them great healthy snacks for the beach. Instead of carrying a big bag of chips or cookies you can just throw in a couple of small 100-calorie bags that take up less space. It will be easy to find something for everybody since you have a lot of options from cookies to chips.
String Cheese. Load your cooler with these single serving packages of mozzarella. They are high in calcium and lower in fat than other cheeses, plus the protein will help you feel fuller. Convenience is such a large part of American society but is really helpful when choosing healthy beach snacks.
Water. Maybe not a snack per se but experts always say to drink water when you are hungry because it is often just your body telling you that you need liquids. Healthy diets always include lots of water consumption and it is even more important on a hot beach. If you need to satisfy your sense of taste then try using Crystal Light to jazz it up. Avoid sodas and alcohol as these will only dehydrate you during the course of the day.
Remember to keep it simple. Sandwiches are ok but they often get soggy in the cooler. Avoid beach snacks that require utensils, such as yogurt. It’s just too much hassle and if you are taking kids you want snack time to be the most effortless part of the day!
