5 Best Snacks for the Beach Cooler
Pack the PERFECT Cooler for the Beach or Pool Day
Summer is in full swing and hopefully you have been able to spend it outside in nature soaking up the delicious sunshine. Whether your time is spent camping or at the beach or at your neighborhood pool, packing a cooler full of the food is part of the fun. We want these foods to not only be delicious but to also support your health and hydration! Read on below to get some new ideas to stock your portable ice chest.
Watermelon & Pineapple
These two fruits are the best for taking to the pool or beach this summer. Watermelon is 92% water and has naturally occurring electrolytes including potassium, magnesium and sodium, plus kids LOVE it so it is an easy way to keep them hydrated. Pineapple is also in season over the summer and 85% water. Pineapple also contains bromelain which can reduce inflammation and aid in digestion.
Carrots & Cucumbers
Everyone’s favorite vegetables! Cucumbers and baby carrots are easy to pack, portable, and also contain a lot of water, nutrients and electrolytes. Being a zero prep vegetable they are so easy to grab and go. Other easy portable vegetables also include cherry tomatoes (which are in season), celery and bell peppers.
Chicken, Tuna, Egg Salads
Please do not leave your proteins behind! Proteins are essential for satiety and being outside, in the sun burns a good amount of calories. Having insufficient protein during the day will make it almost impossible to control your appetite at dinner that evening. My favorite “no fuss” proteins for the beach and outdoors are homemade chicken, tuna or egg salad mainly because you can eat these with a fork, they are easy to pack in bulk and prep ahead of time. These salads also keep and pack well in coolers and you do not have to worry about bread getting soggy. If you are worried about the fat content just make them at home and use less mayo or substitute mayo with plain greek yogurt and/ or avocado.
Salt Fix
If salt is what you find yourself craving here are some links to my favorite healthy salty snacks. Remember salt is an important component of hydration and should only be restricted for certain medical conditions like congestive heart failure, kidney failure and hypertension.
- Roasted Seaweed Snacks: CLICK HERE
- The Good Crisp Chips: CLICK HERE
- Popcorn Snacks: CLICK HERE
- Trail Mix: CLICK HERE
Squeeze Packs
You may equate applesauce and yogurt squeeze packs with kids snacks and while this may be true they are so easy to add to a cooler. While you could assemble a yogurt parfait, these pouches allow you to get yogurt in without worrying about sand or any prep time. Applesauce in a pouch is also a great option for quick energy especially if you are hiking or being active on the beach.
I hope these ideas help you pack a healthy and delicious cooler that allow you to enjoy the great outdoors this summer without abandoning your healthy goals.
-In Health & Happiness, Jessica Murgueytio (follow me on Instagram!)
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