The sun is shining. The beach is calling your name. That only means one thing. It's a beach day!
You've got your beach bag packed with all the essentials (sunscreen, sunglasses, beach blanket, etc. ) All you need now is a cooler packed with a healthy snack....or two.....or maybe even three.
Here is a list of easy, healthy beach snacks that will appease even the pickiest of eaters.
1. Carrot Sticks and Hummus
Full of vitamin A and low in fat, paired together, these make good beach snacks. Hummus has many different flavors to choose from. I prefer garlic, but if you don't want to deal with stinky breath, roasted red pepper or plain are also great options.
2. Whole Grain Bread and Peanut Butter
Eating whole grains can have a myriad of health benefits. They may lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin levels. Regularly eating whole grains can decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Peanut butter is low in carbs and high in protein. It's super yummy spread on a nice slice of whole-grain bread.
3. Berry Medley
What sounds more refreshing on a hot summer beach day than a container of fresh chilled berries? Aside from being super delicious, they are low in carbs and high in fiber. Making them the perfect snacks for those managing diabetes. These easy snacks are also packed with antioxidants.
4. Cottage Cheese and Fruit
Cottage cheese is one of my kids' favorite snacks. All three of them give it two thumbs up, which is not a common occurrence in our household. Adding your fruit of choice makes it a great choice for the whole family.
Cottage cheese is high in calcium and protein. It is also high in sodium, so eat it in moderation. Also, make sure to pack it well with ice or an ice pack. Nothing ruins the perfect beach snack like some spoiled dairy.
5. Chia Seed Pudding
This snack isn't just full of healthy fats, but it is also incredibly delicious. Add your favorite toppings to make it a chia seed pudding parfait. I always top mine with berries, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts.
6. Greek Yogurt with Pumpkin Seeds and Fruit
This combo makes for a great snack after a long day at the beach. It's creamy, crunchy, sweet, and full of protein and vitamins.
7. Caprese Salad
Nothing screams summer like a fresh caprese salad. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and, fresh mozzarella cheese. Drizzle some olive oil on top and you are all set.
8. Olives and Feta Cheese
Finger foods make great beach foods. No need to pack silverware. Just toss your favorite olives and feta cheese in an airtight container and go.
9. Cherries
Ditch the bag of chips and bring some fresh ripe cherries from the grocery store instead. They are sweet, refreshing, low carb, and full of vitamins and nutrients.
10. Apple Chips
These crunchy, sweet treats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber intake can help control diabetes and reduce cholesterol.
11. Pistachios
There are two reasons pistachios are a great beach snack. They are high in protein and low in calories helping you maintain muscle strength without the worry of adding up extra calories.
12. Air Popped Popcorn with Coconut Oil Drizzle
In my opinion, one of the most delicious snacks is popcorn with a tiny bit of coconut drizzle and a dash of salt. It's crunchy, savory, full of fiber, and easy to make.
TIP: Here is a great way to make air-popped popcorn. Place a handful of popcorn kernels in a paper bag. Fold the top over a few times and place it upright in the microwave on the "popcorn" setting. Take the popcorn out of the microwave when there are about 3 seconds in between pops. It's the perfect bag of popcorn!
13. Lightly Salted Nuts
Easy preparation is key when planning snacks for beach days. Just grab a few handfuls of any nut of your choice. Throw them in a Tupperware container and go. They are high in several beneficial vitamins and minerals.
14. Carrots and Dill Dip
Carrots are known to promote healthy vision. Sharp vision will help you watch out for sharks at the beach! Pair some carrot sticks with a savory, light, and fresh dill dip.
15. Almond Butter with Mini Dark Chocolate Chips
Easy beach snacks have only a few ingredients. That's why I chose to include almond butter and mini dark chocolate chips on this list. Scoop some nut butter of your choice in a container, sprinkle some chocolate chips in, and throw it in a cooler bag. This perfect duo will ease your sweet tooth without all the extra sugar.
16. Grapes
There aren't many foods that are more refreshing on a hot summer day than sweet, juicy grapes. They are also a rich source of powerful antioxidants.
17. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Do you want to add a little bit of spice to your next beach trip? How about this healthy Mexican street corn salad recipe? It has lots of healthy veggies in it like red onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, and corn.
18. Applesauce
The best part about applesauce is that it comes in pouch form. No utensils are needed! It's the perfect fuss-free snack.
19. Sushi
Are you looking to shake up your snack routine? Eating sushi is not only fun because it comes in many varieties, but it also has many health benefits. Sushi is filled with Omega-3 fatty acids and is a great source of nutrients and minerals. Don't forget to keep this well-chilled in your cooler.
20. Your Favorite Cheese
Cut your favorite cheese into cubes for an easy, protein-packed, finger food. I suggest sharp cheddar, white cheddar, pepper jack, or swiss cheese.
21. Clementines
Clementines are small and cute. And because of their bright orange color make me think of a hot, sunny day. They are a powerful source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an impressive antioxidant and immune booster.
22. Boiled Eggs
Trying to get a quick protein fix? Pack yourself a few boiled eggs. They may also help you raise your "good" cholesterol.
23. Watermelon
One quick way to ruin a fun day at the beach is by becoming dehydrated. Watermelon is great at preventing dehydration as it is made up of over 90% water.
24. Whole Grain Crackers and Cheese
Whole grains can potentially lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin levels. Pairing some cheese (protein) with crackers (carbohydrates) can help keep blood sugars stable.
25. Peanut Butter and Banana Bread Slice
Maybe not the healthiest choice for a snack, but oh so yummy. At least it's packed with protein and those extra carbs can fuel that beach volleyball game you plan to participate in.
26. Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Grab a jar of salsa and a bag of your favorite tortilla chips. Boom! The easiest snack.
27. Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas have a unique crunch when you bite into them. They also contain both protein and fiber making them a healthy choice for the next time you go to the beach.
28. Trail Mix
Trail mixes are great because you can put whatever you like in them or choose from a wide variety of mixes at the grocery store. They come in savory, sweet, or a combination of the two.
29. Guacamole and Whole Grain Tortilla Chips
Guacamole is full of heart-healthy monosaturated fats. If that's not impressive enough, it also contains a powerful amount of folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin E. Lightly salted whole grain tortilla chips are the perfect compliment to make the perfect healthy snack.
30. Apple Slices with Cheese
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Eating apples may lower your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Adding a protein like cheese can help keep your blood sugars stabile.
31. Roasted Seaweed
A great, healthy snack option that is also easy to pack is roasted seaweed. It has been shown to promote better cardiovascular health, benefit gut health, provide blood sugar support, and provides iodine to improve thyroid functioning.
32. Pickles
Do you love a crunchy snack? Look no further than a big, crunchy, juicy pickle. They come in many varieties. Choose from mini, dill, sweet, whole, spears, etc. They also add the extra benefit of improving gut health and helping keep blood sugar from spiking.
33. Tuna Salad Stuffed Celery
Tuna is a powerful source of protein, is low in fat, and contains heart-friendly Omega-3s. For a more healthy snack, ditch the bread and fill celery sticks with some tuna salad.
34. Strawberries
Nothing screams summer like some fresh, ripe strawberries. They also pack a strong punch of vitamin C which helps support immune system health.
35. Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches are a fun, light, finger snack.
36. Granola Bars
Granola bars provide an easy, fast way to get some carbohydrates. That way you can have the endurance to ride those waves.
37. Fruit Salad
Eating a variety of fruit provides many health benefits. Fruit boosts immunity, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, promotes healthy digestion, supports healthy skin, helps with weight loss, and provides a boost in energy.
38. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is full of carbohydrates, providing energy to get you through a long day at the beach. It also has many types of vegetables, providing fiber and keeping hunger at bay.
Going to the beach should be fun, not stressful. These easy-to-prepare snacks will satisfy your appetite without all the fuss.
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