It's May and I'm in Florida, so that means it's time to hit the beach!!! You can tell you're a Florida girl if you travel around with a ready to go beach bag in your car. I almost always have a beach bag with a "baby suit" (what I called a bathing suit for the first few years of my life and is now a family joke), a towel, sunscreen, a book/magazine, and my iPhone earbuds. Also, because Florida can get piping hot, I keep a little umbrella in my car for some seriously needed shade!
Please excuse my Kissy Beach Face selfie. I didnt take many photos other than the food ones below and needed a filler :)
So, last Friday I had some last minute client cancellations and realized at 10am that the rest of my day was free. With my bag ready and a free afternoon, I headed to the beach. Actually, I headed to Target first because it was an awful day to forget my sunnies.
With all my supplies, the only thing I needed was some food. I stopped at the Publix near the beach and loaded up on some goodies. I already had a bunch of fruit in a little cooler for my snacks that day so all I purchased was some Boars Head turkey lunch meat, some Artisan Recipe Tostitos, and 100 Calorie Wholly Guacamole - the spicy kind, and a really big water. And for my drinking pleasure I bought two Stella Artois Beers at the gas station.
So, last Friday I had some last minute client cancellations and realized at 10am that the rest of my day was free. With my bag ready and a free afternoon, I headed to the beach. Actually, I headed to Target first because it was an awful day to forget my sunnies.
With all my supplies, the only thing I needed was some food. I stopped at the Publix near the beach and loaded up on some goodies. I already had a bunch of fruit in a little cooler for my snacks that day so all I purchased was some Boars Head turkey lunch meat, some Artisan Recipe Tostitos, and 100 Calorie Wholly Guacamole - the spicy kind, and a really big water. And for my drinking pleasure I bought two Stella Artois Beers at the gas station.
The very first thing I did at the beach was put up my umbrella and eat!! I was rather hungry. I then drank a bunch of water and lathered up with sunscreen. I am rather pasty in the beginning of summer so I used SPF 70 the whole day, yes 70. I still got plenty of sun without any burning. I'm not sure how people can just sit in the sun, all oiled up and bake themselves all day. I guess this is another sign that I'm getting older, I prefer a little shade.
After my food digested, I decide to go for a walk. Since this walk was going to be my workout for the day I also did 50 walking lunges in the soft sand, 10 here and there, throughout the walk. I love working out outside, especially on the beach. When you get too hot, you can just jump in the water :)
After my walk I decided to treat myself to a tasty Margarita. My walk was just an excuse to splurge. Burn to earn - burn calories so that you can earn a treat. My walk had to burn at least 200 calories, right? I hope so cause I know the margarita contained at least that many. Either way it was delicious. The rest of my day was spent lounging and reading. My idea of the perfect day!!
After my food digested, I decide to go for a walk. Since this walk was going to be my workout for the day I also did 50 walking lunges in the soft sand, 10 here and there, throughout the walk. I love working out outside, especially on the beach. When you get too hot, you can just jump in the water :)
After my walk I decided to treat myself to a tasty Margarita. My walk was just an excuse to splurge. Burn to earn - burn calories so that you can earn a treat. My walk had to burn at least 200 calories, right? I hope so cause I know the margarita contained at least that many. Either way it was delicious. The rest of my day was spent lounging and reading. My idea of the perfect day!!
Tips for a Healthy Beach Trip
1. Bring your own healthy food - Try and refrain from purchasing a giant sub and chips if you can. Pick foods that are high in fiber and water content to keep you full and hydrated. Fruits and Veggies work great here, watermelon, cucumbers, carrots, celery, citrus fruits are some examples. Also pack protein filled foods. I bought turkey but other beach friendly options are tuna, chicken, hard boiled eggs, quinoa salads, and peanut butter (dip apples or celery in the PB).
2. Be active - Take some part of your day at the beach to get moving. Walk, run, play volleyball or throw a football, go swimming, chase after your kids, whatever you feel like, just get moving. Just ensure that you are continuing to hydrate all day long!! Heat illness will kill a great beach day.
3. Be aware of liquid calories - If you are going to enjoy a few cocktails at the beach, keep in mind that you are drinking empty calories. Besides a buzz and possibly a hangover, alcohol does not contribute much else to your health (yes, studies have shown some benefits of a drink here and there - I'm talking about a pitcher of margaritas). Fruity drinks like pina coladas and daiquiris can contain up to 500 calories per drink!! Yikes :) Also, drink extra water as alcohol will dehydrate your further
2. Be active - Take some part of your day at the beach to get moving. Walk, run, play volleyball or throw a football, go swimming, chase after your kids, whatever you feel like, just get moving. Just ensure that you are continuing to hydrate all day long!! Heat illness will kill a great beach day.
3. Be aware of liquid calories - If you are going to enjoy a few cocktails at the beach, keep in mind that you are drinking empty calories. Besides a buzz and possibly a hangover, alcohol does not contribute much else to your health (yes, studies have shown some benefits of a drink here and there - I'm talking about a pitcher of margaritas). Fruity drinks like pina coladas and daiquiris can contain up to 500 calories per drink!! Yikes :) Also, drink extra water as alcohol will dehydrate your further
I hope everyone has a safe and active Memorial Day weekend!! I'll see you at the beach :)