A Healthy Beach Trip

Beach time; as we begin to settle into the balmy temperatures and sunny days, summer just wouldn’t be summer without our trips to the beach or favorite watering spot. There’s nothing like floating around on an airbed, eating watermelon in the warm sun or feeling the sand between our toes. Savoring each and every moment of summertime sensations is such a treat for all to relish.

Being organized and having things arranged before you go to the beach can make all the difference in the world to the enjoyment of your outing. Just because you are off for the day to bask in your serenity doesn’t mean to say that it is a free pass to gorge on sabotaging choices. Be sure to set up your menu before you arrive at your destination to avoid being held hostage by convenience items at the snack bar or hotdog cart. Convenience items are usually fast food choices and we all know that these items do not create an environment in which to promote healthy living and weight loss, nor do they enhance our wellness goals or raise our self esteem.

Here are some healthy choice ideas of what to pack in your beach bag: ~Mini whole wheat bagels, plastic containers filled with whole wheat, low sugar cereals. ~Granola bars, whole wheat crackers, cereal bars, low fat popcorn. ~Healthy home-made trail mix w/raisins, pretzels, mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows. ~Wheat tortilla rolled up with peanut butter and jelly.

Here are some healthy choice ideas of what to pack in your beach cooler: ~Drinkable yogurts, cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs, turkey slices. ~Frozen grapes, sliced strawberries, watermelon slices, pre-sliced apples, cherries. ~Water, flavored water, low calorie ice tea, non-carbonated low calorie drinks. ~Baby carrots, sliced red peppers, celery sticks, double cut pizza with half the cheese.

Going to the beach doesn’t have to mean you spend a lot of money if you prepare your food ahead of time. Be sure to pack enough food for everyone to enjoy and ample drinks so no one gets dehydrated. One last note, don’t forget the sunscreen!