Virginia Beach is a brilliant destination for day trippers who want to feel the sand between their toes, soak up some rays under the shield of sunscreen, and generally kick back in a compelling coastal community that can cater to your every need.
Of course to make the most out of a beach day, you need to be well-fueled – and while you can opt for store-bought snacks, the healthier option is to bring your own from home. So with that in mind, here are some energy-packed and nutritious options to pack when you’re prepping for a seaside excursion.
Fruits to Fuel Your Fun in the Sun
Fruits are the ultimate beach snack—refreshing, hydrating, and packed with nutrients that boost your energy without weighing you down. Here are a few top picks:
- Watermelon: It’s in the name—watermelon is rich in water, making it perfect for hydration on hot days. Plus, it’s easy to slice and pack, and its sweetness is a crowd-pleaser. Better yet, studies have shown that eating it regularly can lead to a 5% boost to dietary fiber intake, and a 5% drop in unhealthy sugars.
- Grapes: Portable and mess-free, grapes can be frozen overnight for an extra refreshing treat. They’re also packed with antioxidants that help protect your skin from sun damage.
- Apples: Known for their fiber content, apples help keep hunger at bay between meals. They’re sturdy too, so they won’t bruise easily in your beach bag.
- Bananas: With their natural packaging (the peel), bananas are sand-resistant and provide potassium to help prevent muscle cramps after swimming or playing beach games.
- Oranges: Bursting with vitamin C and juice, oranges are another hydrating choice that can also give you a quick cleanup thanks to their refreshing moisture. A simple zip-top bag keeps them ready to eat without any sticky fingers.
Also don’t forget that if you want something more substantial to chow down on at the beach, there are a range of healthy and balanced ready-to-eat meals available to order ahead of your adventure which will fit this purpose. This should give you enough get-up-and-go to enjoy a full day of fun.
Crisp Vegetables Perfect for Beach Snacking
Vegetables are often overlooked as beach snacks, but they’re a fantastic way to keep things light and healthy while soaking up the sun. Here’s a selection of veggies that are not only delicious but also practical for a beach setting:
- Carrot Sticks: Easy to prepare and pack, carrots offer a satisfying crunch and are rich in beta-carotene, which is great for skin health and of course a plus in sunny settings!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Pop these into your mouth for a burst of flavor. They’re hydrating and contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental elements.
- Cucumber Slices: With their high water content, cucumbers are ideal for hydration. Pack them in a sealable container to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Bell Peppers: Slice them into strips; they’re crunchy, sweet, and loaded with vitamins A and C. Their bright colors can also make your snack time more appealing visually.
- Snap Peas: These are fun to eat and provide a nice snap between bites. Rich in fiber and protein, they help keep you feeling full longer than many other snacks might.
These vegetables not only contribute valuable nutrients that support your health during outdoor activities but also offer refreshing textures ideal for beach enjoyment. Plus, you don’t have to dedicate hours of time to prepping them—just wash, cut if necessary, and toss into your cooler!
Also don’t forget that once you’re done snacking and gallivanting on the beach in the daytime, Virginia Beach has a huge selection of top restaurants that will leave your belly full and put a smile on your face before you head home.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be Gordon Ramsey to snack in a tasty and health-conscious way during a beach visit. And in fact it’s better to stick to fresh produce and pre-prepared meals not only for nutritional purposes, but also if you want to stretch your budget that little bit further – and perhaps leave some wiggle room to visit an attraction or two.
Events
