Don’t let the extreme summer heat fry your brain; you’ll need it to help keep your kids safe.
As a parent, there’s a lot to remember when prepping children for an outdoor play date. You’ve got to keep the kiddos hydrated, slathered with sunscreen and insect repellent, and dressed appropriately. In addition, in order to keep Junior out of the emergency clinic, you need to make sure he washes his hands regularly and be mindful of the types of snacks you pack for him.
The latter often goes overlooked especially if you are in a hurry to get out the door.
I know this from experience. Whereas I wasn’t dumb enough to bring a bag of chocolate to the beach for a snack; I once made the mistake of packing mini yogurts minus the ice.
Major fail… and a huge waste of money.
When packing for a day at the beach, consider the following kid-friendly snacks that don’t require hauling a mini fridge across the sand:
Fruit: Forget about the cantaloupe, strawberries and mangos; rather, pack hearty fruit that taste good warm, such as oranges and bananas. Both picks are sturdy enough to withstand the sun and sand. Moreover, kids love peeling their snacks and unlike candy wrapped in plastic, oranges and bananas are covered in natural packages that are 100% biodegradable. Finally, the health benefits of bananas and oranges can’t be beat. The former are rich in potassium and fiber, while the latter is loaded with vitamin C.
Nuts: Whether your kids prefer peanuts, walnuts, almonds or pecans, packing nuts to munch on at the beach is a wise decision. Not only do nuts provide a protein boost, they also feature healthy fats and are highly portable.
Peanut Butter: If you don’t feel comfortable packing plain nuts, then go with a classic picnic favorite loved by kids of all ages: peanut butter. Unlike most sandwich meats, peanut butter holds up quite well when left out in the sun for a few hours. To keep your sandwich from turning into a PB puddle use extra thick bread, such as Texas toast, or simply spread it on while grain crackers.
Vegetables: Good old fashion carrot sticks make for great munching at the beach. Pair them with celery, radishes or jicama and your kids will have a crispy, nutrient-filled snack that won’t turn brown even when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
What are some of your favorite beach eats?
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