Healthy snacks to throw in your beach bag this weekend

What’s more motivating than hanging out in your bathing suit to encourage better-for-you snacking? I don’t know about you, but the thought of lunching on a greasy slice of pizza poolside seems like sacrilege. So, if you are heading to the beach, pool, lake or whatever body of water, pack a mini cooler with some of my favorite bikini-friendly bites.

1. Frozen grapes dipped in Greek yogurt

A great alternative to the standard ice cream truck treats. A great balance of satisfying protein and carbohydrates. Dip them in chia seeds before freezing for some extra fiber and nutrition!

2. Popcorn

Image: BoomChickaPop.com

Not only is this snack rich in antioxidants and fiber, it’s also totally temperature safe and available in snack sizes. Double high five! I like seasonal favorites like Boom Chicka Pop’s Sea Salt Popcorn

3. Hummus and veggies (carrots, peppers or cucumbers)

Image: WildGardenHummus.com

Try Wild Garden to-go packs and toss some seasonal veggies in a BPA-free bag. Done and done!

4. Homemade trail mix

When you make your own trail mix, you get exactly what you want — and probably a whole lot less sugar. Try mixing your favorite whole grain cereal with almond slivers and unsweetened dried fruit.

5. Salsa with guacamole.

Fill a mason jar (so cute!) with a thin layer of guac and then a heavy layer of my favorite low cal snack… salsa. Not only will you be enjoying a delish snack, but fighting free radicals from the sun thanks to lycopene, a natural pigment found in tomatoes. Two birds, one stone!

6. Peanut butter with fruit and veggies

I hope you bought some mason jars in bulk. Place a thin layer of peanut butter in the bottom of the jar and fill to the brim with apple slices and celery.

7. Chopped salad in a cup

Throw a tossed salad into an empty Starbucks cup with the desired fixin’s. Jam a plastic fork into the straw hole and call it a day!

8. Fresh baked muffins

Image: CarolineEisenburgRD.com

Try my whole-grain banana and zucchini muffins for a small, portable snack using seasonal produce!

9. Cheese and fruit skewers

This snack is not only beautiful to look at, but fun for the whole family to make. Play around with your favorites and alternate while stacking. Guilt free and no grill required. There you have it! Summer sustenance to get you through the afternoon and hopefully to a solid (and safe) bronze tan.