15 Realistic & Healthy Beach Snacks for Kids
Most dried fruit will include double to even triple the sugar content of fresh fruit. In reality it should be treated as candy and popped about as often as, say, M&Ms. Another dangerous aspect of dried fruit is that it contains fructose which is an ingredient that doesn't signal your brain to stop eating.
This dish basically screams summertime, from the fresh corn succotash to the herby mayo mixture that coats shrimp. Here are my top five food items to add to your healthy and lean fridge this summer. These Southern recipes are mouth watering, easy to make, and sure to get you recognized as a Southern cook. “Pop a bag of organic, plain popcorn and transfer to a plastic baggie, or an eco-friendly container,” says Moreno.
The great thing about trail mix is it’s totally customizable. Toss together your favorite unsalted nuts, dried fruits and seeds or whatever else you can dream up, and you have an instant healthy snack. This perfect pairing of carbohydrates and protein is also packed with nutrients like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Grab a KIND bar which is basically no-fuss portable trail mix in bar form. Avoid those that contain chocolate on a super hot day ; it can get messy fast. And don’t worry, I’ve got your vegan and vegetarian friends covered with tasty meat-free alternatives to some classic beach day foods like sandwiches.
Soft tortillas are wrapped around the filling of your choice and cut into bite-sized slices. Take pizza night out to the grill with this summery pizza that puts fresh shrimp to use. Bake your own fish at home for a lighter take on the deep-fried fish tacos you'll get at a restaurant. Set up a fresh toppings bar for everyone to personalize their plates. If we can put it in the slow cooker and forget about any worries while having a stroll on the beach, we're happy.
My kids were always excited whenever we broke out the snacks! We always found that crackers, yogurt, and fruit made a great combination. You won’t see my suggesting a lot of sandwiches on here (unlike the other lists I’ve seen). Honestly, if you’re sitting in the sand, feeding your kids meandmyfam a sandwich is impractical. When we head out to hit the beach, we always go armed with snacks to help us enjoy a full day there—without the need to leave to find food.
All of these fruits have phytochemicals that can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. While this doesn’t mean you're free to skimp on the sunscreen, it may give you the extra boost you need to stay safe in the sun. On top of their protective properties, many fruits are in season throughout the summer and are the perfect healthy and refreshing snack. Colleen Christensen, RD, thinks raspberries are the perfect beach snack. "They pack a whopping 8 grams of feel-full fiber per serving," she says.
If you’re looking for a salad that’s more about the veggies, opt for one that won’t wilt after being dressed. That means slaws and salads made with hearty greens are your best bet. This stacked turkey and cheese sandwich will feed your whole family. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, this slightly bitter green turns into an irresistible “chip” when tossed with olive oil and baked in the oven. And if you like a little kick, this recipe suggests adding a dash of paprika.
Last week, I forgot snacks for my daughter and ended up buying a bag of cheetos and some fruit for her. This is a fun way to combine some of the ideas above so you get different nutrients while you’re soaking up the sun. You can make trail mix at home or buy it at the store, and have a healthy-ish snack that is flavorful too. For desert, try some ripe and sweet summer produce. Sliced watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew and cherries are all refreshing on a hot day. Although nectarines, peaches and apricots are at their prime during beach season, they bruise easily and need to be packed carefully.
If you’re actually in a beach in the South you’ll want to avoid most types of candy and definitely all types of chocolate unless you put it into your cooler. Hurley actually likes when her single-serve nut butter packs are a little warm, since they’re creamier and easier to knead. Squeeze some melty almond or cashew butter onto apple slices or rice cakes.