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Hungry Girl's hittin' the beach and, chances are, so are you. We've put together a list of satisfying guilt-free snacks that can take the heat and won't leave you feeling weighed down!
Crunchy Granola Bars
Typically, we're more into chewy granola bars, but those can become messy on hot days. Don't bring anything chewy, coated, or chocolatey -- it'll probably be stuck to the inside of the wrapper by the time you get to it. Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars are perfect for warm-weather snacking. And if you don't want to eat both of the crispy bars in the pack, give the other to one of your beach-blanket buddies. (You could save it for later, but it might get all sandy.)
Fresh Fruit
We know you're probably thinking, "Duh! Of course fruit is good for you." But not all fruit is super-portable or easy to eat on the go. Two things that make our to-bring list every time: apples and bananas. They've got decently sturdy skins (so they won't cause a mess in your beach bag), they're not complicated to consume (sorry, pomegranate), and you don't have to prep them ahead of time. No-brainer. Toss one or two in your beach bag before you take off.
Baked Pretzel Chips/Crisps
We LOOOOVE pretzel crisps. They're good and crunchy, yet light and non-greasy. Waterproof sunscreen is oily enough, we don't need fatty snack foods making our hands greasier! Kettle Bakes and a company called The Snack Factory both make great versions of pretzel chips, but you can also find them at places like Trader Joe's.
Jerky
There are tons of jerky options besides beef -- soy, chicken, turkey, and more. The great thing about jerky is that it's a great protein source, yet you don't have to worry about keeping it cold. Jack Link's recently came out with a jerky product called Premium Cuts Chicken Nuggets -- they are GREAT. Another nice thing about jerky? You don't have to worry about it getting crushed or squished -- it's already flat!
LOTS of Water
Seriously, bring as much as you can. If you aren't into the single-use bottles, fill a big jug or mega-Thermos. If you're traveling with a group, get a big case of water so everyone is covered. Also, little packets of Crystal Light (we LOVE the Lemonade and Energy Wild Strawberry!) or other low-cal powdered drink mixes are great to add in when you're sick of plain water.
100-Calorie Packs That WON'T GET DESTROYED!
Before you start loading up your tote bag with little snack pouches, assess the contents. Are they soft and/or chewy? Will heat make them taste disgusting? Is there anything that's going to melt? Will they survive the trip? Once you choose a few that pass this test, 100-calorie packs can be great on-the-go goodies that are easy to stash. Nabisco's 100 Calorie Packs Honey Maid Cinnamon Roll Thin Crisps are perfect for seaside summer outings. Plus, these treats are portion-controlled, so you won't mindlessly munch your way through a thousand calories.
A Cooler
Having a cooler expands your food options BIGTIME. You can bring sandwiches, salads, cut-up veggies, frozen grapes (SO good!), and lots of ice or cold packs. Plus, you can chill your sunscreen. (It'll feel great when you reapply!) And of course, you can keep your water nice and cold. Whether it's a cute toteable one or a huge wheelie one, it's a good investment. But if you choose a big one with wheels, make sure you've got a buddy to help you out-- those things don't roll so well on sand!
Finally, don't forget to bring a bag to throw all your garbage into. Now, have fun at the beach!
Wanna cool off after all that time in the sun? Check out these Guilt-Free Answers to Ice-Cream Cravings.
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