What's in your beach bag?

Happy 4th of July everyone! This is an article from my newsletter archives that I thought was worth sharing again! Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday weekend!

- Stephanie


Summer is in full gear and with that comes my favorite kind of days... beach days!

Once at the beach, nothing can be more relaxing, but the preparation can often be quite the opposite. After you've loaded the car with the basics (chairs, towels, umbrella, sunscreen, music, books) you may have forgotten all about food and drink. And if you're anything like I used to be, you'd rather avoid the hastle of packing your own snacks and just hit up the consession stands once you've gotten there.

This not only can be costly, but is also UNHEALTHY.
Summer is the season that people care the most about their physical appearance. Many of us spend weeks trimming, tanning, and toning, but when it finally comes time to bare all, we end up eating hot, heavy, processed foods that make us feel less than our best. What we really need on hot beach days are light, cooling, hydrating foods.

So instead of blowing money on hot dogs, fries, and funnel cakes only to feel bloated and sluggish later, why not spend a little extra time to prepare snacks that will keep you feeling great and energized all day?

In other words, leave the Gas-X at home this summer and choose from my TOP 12 beach snacks:


1. Chopped up watermelon
2. Hummus with carrots, peppers, or celery for dipping
3. Goji Berries (This top of the charts superfood is available at Whole Foods or local health food store)
4. Grapes (freeze the night before)
5. Raw or organic Cashews
6. Green+ Energy bars (Available at Whole Foods, local health food store, or GNC. Eat 1 for in between meals or 2 as a meal replacement)
7. Raspberries & blueberries (freeze the night before)
8. Organic or Raw Chocolate bars (freeze the night before. Found at Whole Foods, Trader Joes or local health food store)
9. Apples
10. Almond butter and honey sandwich on ezekial bread (Ezekial bread is made from sprouted whole grains and can be found in the freezer section of Whole Foods, Trader Joes, or your local health food store)
11. Lundberg Organic Rice Cakes (flavor of your choice)
12. ****Water, Water, Water!! For something sweeter, throw in a coconut water or two. They are delicious, tropical, and full of electrolytes!)

Pick a few off the list, (choose organic produce if possible) pack in a cooler with plenty of ice, and enjoy!!! And by all means, do NOT forget the water!