Snacks To Bring To The Shore
The summer time is a great time to spend with friends and family, surrounded by good weather and even better food. However, when it comes to summer time meals we often neglect the fact that majority of them are not our healthiest options. Typically, in the summer we see hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, ice cream, and more. Not to say these are to be forgotten all together because having a treat here and there is completely warranted, but there needs to a be limit. In this week’s blog we are going to talk about some snacks and meals that are not only healthy, but super easy to make and bring with you on those hot summer days. The following recipe ideas travel well, are easy to make, and will leave the body feeling full and nourished.
First, let’s talk about a few options for snacks to bring to the beach; including sandwiches and wraps. These are typically the staple options when it comes to packing lunches for the beach. Some examples of sandwiches and wraps include smoked turkey and cheese sandwich, chickpea wrap, caprese sandwich, and even for a sweeter choice, a peanut butter, banana, and granola wrap. These recipe ideas are just a small select few of the combinations that you can create. That is the best part about making wraps and sandwiches; they are easy, versatile, typically mess free, and have the potential to be healthy. When is comes to choosing you ingredients for these wraps and sandwiches, be sure to be selective with your cold cut meats, your spreads, and even choice of bread or wrap. All of these factors can turn your “what once was healthy snack” to a “not so healthy snack”.
Salads and slaws are another great option to incorporate into your diet. Some easy options can be a pesto pasta salad, a crunchy peanut slaw, and even a cabbage and kale slaw. These recipe ideas take a bit more planning and preparation as they contain more ingredients, however, that can make this option even better because it really packs a punch of nutrients when the right ingredients are included. A good rule of thumb when building salads are slaws is to make it as colorful as possible. Throw in a variety of vegetables and even fruits to make is packed with a balance of vitamins and nutrients.
In addition to meals, snack options are also a great idea to pack into your beach bag. In fact, it is said that snacking on certain foods is the biggest culprit to unwanted extra calories. Therefore, choosing your snacks wisely can help to create more healthy balance in between meal times. Some snacks that are perfect for the beach can be fruit skewers, oatmeal raisin cookies, and homemade trail mix. These snack ideas are a great way to pick on foods in between meals without taking on a ton of unwanted calories and unhealthy ingredients. Fruit specifically is a great thing to munch on in between meals when you’re hungry. They are full of vitamins and even water which make it hydrating and nourishing at the same time.
Alongside meals and snack, dips are also a great option when it comes to picking foods. Guacamole and pico de gallo are the two most popular and versatile health dip options. The ingredients are easy enough to have the majority of them already at home and they are also easy to customize based on your likings. For example, adding some mango or pineapple into your pico de gallo can create a balance between sweet and savory, all while still remaining healthy. However, the issue that arises with choosing dips as your go to snack, is what you chose to dip with. The majority of chips that are marketed for dipping can be high in salt, contains certain unhealthy flours, and even gluten. To solve this problem you can opt for a more healthy style of chip or instead reach for vegetables. Vegetables can be a great alternative to chips, specifically cucumber, celery, and even carrots.
These are just a few options of healthy snacks and meals that you can enjoy this summer. For more healthy recipes sign up for AWSC’s meal prep newsletter! Each week we send out a fun, healthy, and easy recipe that can be enjoyable for the whole family. Visit our website at atlanticwellnessandspinecenter.com to sign up now. Don’t fill up on empty calories this summer. Set aside some time to learn new recipes and meal prep for a day in the sun. It will ensure that you are eating more nourishing meals rather than the sugary, carb filled, extra calories that do not feed your body properly. Fill your cooler with healthy snacks and foods to keep you and your family full while relaxing at the beach or pool.
