Swimsuit? Check. Beach chair and umbrella? Check. Beach crew? Check. Cooler packed with your favorite snacks and drinks? Not so fast! Before you pack that cooler for your next beach day, here are some easy swaps for healthier snacks and drinks to keep the beach party going without ruining your beach body.
Skip the chips and try crispy veggies,
A lot of times your cravings for crunchy, salty snacks are just a way to keep your mouth occupied. While this is completely normal, you might not want to waste those hard-to-burn calories on a moment of boredom. When you are just feeling snackish, finding something crunchy but healthy could resolve your cravings and keep the calories low.
A simple swap for chips is veggie sticks — think baby carrots, celery, sliced cucumbers, and other super fresh and crispy veggies. For some added flavor, you can choose a dip with some fill-you-up fiber and protein like hummus. Don’t let the color of hummus turn you off. This dip comes in every flavor you can think of and can take your snack game to the next level.
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Forget the fryer but keep the wings.
All chicken wings are not created equal. As you probably know, you can prepare these little treats in multiple ways, some of which are healthier than others. Instead of buying a large batch of pre-made fried chicken wings, make your own wings by tossing some in panko crumbs chips or almond flour. You’ll still end up with the same, or better, taste, but you’ll have less fat, grease and calories to worry about after your beach day is over.
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Sip on sangria or seltzer instead of beer or mixed drinks.
This is one swap that shouldn’t be too hard to make. Instead of filling up on beer all day, mix up a batch of red wine sangria instead. Instead of adding sugar, you can sweeten this drink up with fresh fruit, making it a healthier way to sip under the sun. If you normally mix up drinks with your favorite juice and spirit, swap out the juice for a flavored seltzer water. This is an easy way to cut back on sugar and calories, so you’ll look great for the next beach trip, too!
Swap the sweets for your favorite fruits.
Fruit is always the answer to a nagging sweet tooth. The sun and heat from the beach may cause your blood sugar to run lower than normal, which can send your sugar cravings through the roof. Instead of reaching for the cookies and other treats, have a handful of grapes, some frozen strawberries, or slices of watermelon to calm those cravings. These fruits are packed with electrolytes and vitamins that can help you survive a long hot day of fun in the sun.
You can also get your fill of fruit by infusing your water with your favorite fruits the night before your beach day. You’ll be hydrated without the unnecessary sugar rush.
With these better-for-you swaps, you’ll have everything to need to be the healthiest beach bum under the sun!
Sharita Jennings is a health policy attorney, ACE certified group fitness instructor and nutrition specialist. She leads fitness classes in Washington, DC and provides online coaching and tips on her site, GetFitLikeThat.com.
