Whether you’re packing up the car for a road trip or bumming at the beach, you’re bound to experience a snack attack. Here’s a roundup of my favorite nutrition go-to’s for summertime adventures that will help make the most of this season’s bounty and keep you satisfied.
Exercising outdoors.
Don’t plan to work out without a hydration plan. Water may not cut it, especially if you’re outside and going for around an hour (or longer). Body Armor, for example, is a sports drink made with potassium-packed coconut water, and it doesn’t contain artificial colors or flavors, unlike some other sports drinks. I love their Blackberry Blackout flavor.
[See: 10 Healthy Habits of the ‘Naturally’ Thin.]
Hiking.
Before you hit the trail to enjoy some time in the wilderness, make sure you’re prepared. Bring some snacks with no refrigeration required.
Jerky is a wise choice, as it’s extremely lightweight and offers a good balance of protein, fat and carbs. Its salt will also help replenish any losses from your sweat. You can get yummy flavors now like maple bacon and buffalo chicken.
Dried fruit or fruit leathers, like Pressed by KIND, are packed with carbohydrates to deliver a quick energy fix. Plus, they contain fiber, which you don’t always get from juice. Dried fruit pairs well with nuts like pistachios and peanuts to ramp up the protein and fat, helping you reach your summit.
Energy bars and granola bars are another excellent choice given their variety of flavors, ease of portability and lasting shelf life; plus, they create little trash waste.
Road tripping.
Crank up the tunes and head out to the open road with some caravan snacks.
Any combo of fruit, veggies and nuts will do, but I recommend sticking with those that aren’t messy and won’t stain. Pack firm apple slices, dried fruit, carrots, celery, cucumber, snap peas and your favorite nuts. Add some protein-rich dippers like hummus or nut butters, too. Pack in plastic bags or containers, and if you won’t be using a cooler, add small bags of ice to help keep the fruit and veggies cool and crisp.
[See: 12 ‘Unhealthy’ Foods With Health Benefits.]
Poolside.
Dodge the pool snack shack, and instead enjoy a tasty, cold and creamy treat by packing Lifeway Kefir. Kefir is a tart and tang cultured milk smoothie that is high in protein, calcium and vitamin D, and it delivers a healthy boost of probiotics. It’s 99 percent lactose free, so even folks with lactose sensitivity can enjoy. Looking for a frozen treat? You can also pour kefir in a freezer mold for a frozen treat.
Beach.
Bring the fiesta to the beach with guacamole and tortilla chips. Get your fiesta fix with Sabra Veggie Fusions Guacamole — a hearty combination of guacamole and fresh veggies, a delicious combo that has 30 percent less fat than traditional guacamole.
Make a big batch of your own trail mix or snack mix. You can make it as nutritious as you want, and tailor the ingredients to your taste. Mix up almonds, shelled pistachios and other nuts with dried cranberries, raisins and dried apple rings. Pumpkin seeds and shelled sunflower seeds, bagel chips, Goldfish crackers and dry cereal make great additions too, but hold off on the chocolate to prevent melting in the sun.
[See: The 10 Best Diets for Healthy Eating.]
The author has no affiliation with any brands mentioned in this article.
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The Snacks and Drinks You Need This Summer originally appeared on usnews.com
