Whether you’re enjoying your summer or are enjoying a tropical vacation, a day at the beach is a gorgeous, relaxing and fun way to spend your time. Unfortunately, unless you plan to bring all your food with you, you’ll need to reply on concession stands. Though delicious, the funnel cake and fried foods can be greatly damaging to your efforts to lose – or even maintain – weight.
Still, that doesn’t mean that you need to give up all the fun of having lunch or a snack at the beach. There are actually some pretty healthy options out there – comparatively speaking – as long as you know where to look and what to choose. What’s more, when you choose them, you’ll be able to enjoy something delicious without feeling like you’re bloating up and looking your worst in your bathing suit!
The next time you’re on the beach, keep the following in mind when snack time rolls around:
• Fresh fruit
You may not get too excited about it when you’re at home or when the weather is cooler, but fresh fruit tastes spectacular when you’re at the beach. Deliciously sweet, full of water, high in nutrients and low in calories, these are a great way to enjoy a delicious treat while being kind to your body, too. Melons, berries, mango, peaches and papaya are all wonderful options for eating well, rehydrating and enjoying yourself at the same time.
• Grilled fish
Skip the fish and chips and all the unwanted side effects of eating deep fried food. Instead, opt for the grilled fish. This is often available in a sandwich or taco and the flavor will blow you away. At the same time, you’ll be giving yourself far healthier fats and you won’t feel bogged down after you eat it.
• Burgers
Believe it or not, burgers can be a great option. Most of what decides whether it’s healthy for you or not has to do with the toppings. Eat it open faced (without the top bun) and without the cheese. If you do eat the top bun as well, at least make sure that you go with the veggie, chicken or beef burger and leave the sausage and hotdog alone. Burgers are far better for you than cured meats like sausage, which contain nitrates – chemicals proven to raise your risk of cancer.
• Smoothies
Again, like the burgers, it all depends on what goes into it. But a smoothie full of spinach, banana, and other fruits and veggies can give you a burst of sweet tasting nutrients while you hydrate at the same time.
