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9 Healthy Beach-Friendly Snacks

Twizzlers, Old bay Potato Chips (I’m from Maryland), Oreos, Sour Patch Kids. Those are just a few of the snacks I used to scarf down during a long beach day. My how things have changed! That doesn’t mean if someone offers me a handful of Old Bay Potato Chips that I won’t take it, of course I have to be loyal to my Maryland roots, but I’d rather be prepared with my own healthy snacks.

Since it is officially summer in the northern hemisphere, I imagine many of you have plans to get away to the beach with your friends or family over the next few months. When you’re packing for your next getaway, think about these healthy snacks to keep on hand:

1. Oranges
Oranges and any citrus fruit for that matter, are one of the best fruits you can bring to the beach in my opinion. The vibrant rind protects the juicy insides from the sun and sand, it’s 100% biodegradable, and you’re getting in more than just vitamin D from the sun. Oranges provide fiber and vitamin C to help keep you satisfied and loaded with antioxidants.

2. Coconut Water
I get hot on the beach, and sometimes a little bored if I’m just laying there. After an hour or so I’m likely going for a swim, playing a little beach volleyball or my favorite, paddle ball. After, nothing is more satisfying than cold coconut water. It’s super rich in electrolytes and has more potassium than a banana so I’m totally replenished. TIP: if you can’t pack it in a cooler, try freezing it the night before and by the time you’re ready to drink it the next day it will likely be “half-frozen” and super cooling.

3. Nuts
Almonds, cashews, walnuts, oh my. Nuts are the perfect combination of protein and healthy fats to keep your hunger at bay during a long beach day. Just be sure to not go over board with your portions as they can quickly pack on calories. Bring about 1/4 cup for one serving, or maybe a 1/2 cup because I guarantee your friends will want a couple.

4. Dried Figs
Another beach snack I forgot to mention that I used to eat are Fig Newton cookies. Did you ever have those? They were my fave. So instead of  the cookie, I enjoy the same taste just by eating a sweet, dried fig. Figs contain calcium, potassium, iron, manganese and are a good source of fiber. You can also try fresh figs in this Fig & Almond Smoothie.

5. Veggie Sticks
One of the easiest, healthiest snacks to enjoy in the sun are your favorite vegetables, sliced into sticks, and maybe dipped into a little homemade hummus or homemade almond butter. You don’t need to limit these to carrots and celery either, try making cucumbers, parsnips, zucchini, bell peppers or  jicama into sticks!

6. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
Okay, I’m lying just a little. I’m not really suggesting you put heavily processed peanut butter on top of sugary jelly between two pieces of white bread, but what I do love at the beach is bringing a sandwich with sprouted bread (Ezekiel is a great brand I use), freshly made almond or peanut butter, and sliced strawberries or banana or even grapes sliced in half. It’s simple, balanced, and stays well in your cooler without getting soggy.7. Green Juice
Yes, I love to enjoy a green juice on a beach day. Make it in the morning, store it in an airtight glass container, pack it in your cooler just like you would pack water (or that margarita mix), and voila. You have your juice with you, even on the road. A new favorite is the Sunshine Citrus Chard Juice — now doesn’t that sound glorious for a beach day?

8. Macaroons
Raw ones! If you’re wanting a little something sweet on your beach day, make these Reboot-team favorites — Raw Macaroons.  They will stay well and not melt in the sun and they are sure to make that sweet tooth happy.

9. Vitamin D
I know this isn’t a snack technically, and you’re probably thinking “I will get plenty of this just by being at the beach”, but what may come as a surprise to you is that wearing sunblock, while very important when it comes to reducing skin cancer risk, can potentially reduce your ability to make active vitamin D by as much as 90%. Even wearing clothes out in the sun can prevent proper vitamin D production (although also beneficial in preventing skin cancer). You might want to think about taking a vitamin D supplement, no matter how bright that sun is shining.

Have fun in the sun this summer, and don’t forget to pack your favorite healthy snacks. What do you like bringing with you when you’re on the road?