It’s beach season! The sun, the waves, the sand and the snacks and foods that you bring along with you. I, like many, enjoy a nice day on the beach soaking up some rays and indulging on food and drinks. In many cases, your beach snacks can lean more towards the unhealthier side, so this week Carly is going to recommend her favorite beach snack that she packs for herself and her family that you can pack this beach season too!
Beach snack highlight: Sandwiches! Sounds boring, but not once you read the recipes below! Being at the beach is one of my all time favorite activities. I love the feel of the sand between my toes, the crash of the ocean waves hitting the beach, even the call of the sea gulls makes me giddy! I inevitably get hungry while at the beach and even though I no longer am able to “sit” at the beach (my 1 and a half year old doesn’t allow that) I will find a way to have a sandwich to stay longer.
What’s so great about a sandwich? THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS. I am not talking about a 1 slice of turkey with 1 slice of American cheese Sammy between 2 slices of bread… I’m talking about a spinach wrap with a pesto mayo spread, fresh cucumber, rotisserie chicken, and feta cheese. Or homemade multigrain bread with hummus, roasted veggies, and goat cheese. I’m talking about a sandwich that you’ll actually want to eat.
Nutritionally speaking a sandwich is a home run if you follow my method for making them.
Whole Wheat Bread + Protein + Veggies + Fun Element
Here’s the great part. Using the above recipe, you have a perfectly balanced meal. The whole wheat bread (or whatever vehicle you choose for your sandwich) is filled with B vitamins to give you energy to pursue your beach dreams, protein to help keep you full, veggies for antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and crunch, and a fun element for the mouthwatering goodness of a sandwich that is the most enjoyable. Let me give you some examples of what I would put together!
Bread:
- Whole Wheat Pita Pocket
- Whole grain Bread (multigrain, wheat, rye)
- Vegetable Wrap
- Whole Wheat Bun/Roll
Protein:
- Good Quality Deli Meat (turkey, ham, roast beef)
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Hummus
- Tempeh (Vegetable protein)
- Falafel
Vegetables:
- Fresh Baby Spinach
- Mixed Greens
- Baby Kale
- Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Artichokes
- Cucumbers
- Avocado
- Slices Onions
- Pickled Vegetables
- Caramelized Onions
FUN Elements:
- Spreads:
- Pesto
- Pesto Mayo
- Sundried Tomato Spread
- Honey/Dijon Mustard
- Tzatziki sauce
- Guacamole
- Fruit Spread
- Salad Dressing
- Cheese:
- Goat
- Gouda
- Cheddar
- Whatever you like for cheese
- Others:
- Olives
- Sprouts
- Chips (?-sure why not)
Here’s what I would choose:
- Whole Wheat Wrap, Hummus, Roasted Vegetables, Goat Cheese, Red onion
Or… - Whole Wheat Pita, Turkey, Provolone, Sundried Tomato Spread, Baby spinach, and Cucumbers.
Cook with the flavors you like. Make it enjoyable for your taste buds! Try a new combination- or don’t!
What I love about a sandwich is that there are so many options for all types of dietary wishes. Another bonus for the beach, is that you don’t need utensils or a plate! FINGER FOOD at it’s best. Please tag me if you make a delicious Sammy using this method or come up with your own! @healthanchor.nutrition on IG.
Michella Hand 