Thursday, August 25, 2016

The Best Healthy, Satisfying Snacks for a Day at the Beach

Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue, May 1992

There are two weekends left before summer’s unofficial end, and many of us will be taking advantage of them with a trip to the beach. And whether your version calls for a leisurely stroll or a volleyball marathon, a well-planned selection of snacks is as essential to pack as your SPF. This weekend, forgo the sugary nuts or tortilla chips and reach for nutrient-dense foods that will keep you feeling energized and light on your feet. Here, New York City nutritionist Brooke Alpert, R.D., discusses her favorite bites to pack for a day on the sand.

When preparing for a beach day, portability is key. Snacks need to be light enough to transport from home; avoid anything that must stay chilled. “Fruit is one of the best things to munch on, on or off the sand,” Alpert says. She recommends slicing up a potassium-rich watermelon or pineapple to replenish electrolytes lost in the heat. Also high in water content are crudités; Alpert suggests tossing freshly diced carrots, celery, or jicama into a portable bag for a quick on-the-go treat.

Crunch seekers can swap traditional white-flour chips for satisfying, nutrient-rich snacks like Mary’s Gone Crackers, baked with whole grain quinoa, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds. And while guacamole is a filling, crowd-pleasing dipping choice, Alpert likes to bring along salsa instead, since avocados tend to brown in the sun, or garlic hummus, which is high in protein and fiber.

Those craving salt shouldn’t skip out due to fear of bloating; a touch “will actually balance out electrolytes in your body,” says Alpert. Opt for a bag of non-GMO popcorn with salt—like Quinn or Pipcorn—for a fiber-filled indulgence. Seaweed and kale chips are two more easy store-bought options that deliver flavor and salty crunch without weighing you down, calorie-wise.

And though it’s a no-brainer for a hot day, “don’t forget to pack tons of water,” Alpert notes. Bonus points if you slice up antioxidant-rich lemon to toss in the cup: It’s the little details, after all, that make summer worth savoring.

 

The post The Best Healthy, Satisfying Snacks for a Day at the Beach appeared first on Vogue.

No comments:

Post a Comment