8 Summer Foods That Give You Energy -- Beach Energy All Season Long!
Sunny skies are in the forecast, which means the Bomber team is strapping on our sunnies and heading for the beach. We're all for those dozy afternoons in the sand, but we also want to make the most out of our warm-weather adventures. So, how do you get the best of both worlds?
One of the best ways to conserve your energy on a hot, sweaty beach day is to pack foods that work for YOU. These 8 summer foods are our faves to take to the beach: 9 foods that give you energy -- all season long!
1. Citrus fruit
Vitamin C and Vitamin D are a match made in heaven (and the alphabet, apparently). When you're getting ready for a day in the sun, pack summertime favorites like clementines, grapefruit, and oranges. There's a reason a killer glass of lemonade hits the spot during the summer!
Bomber's Fave: We're big fans of classic fresh-squeezed OJ and lemonade during the summer, and you can mix it up a little by getting creative with your ingredients. Blood orange + fresh mint + a splash of lemon juice? Yes, please!
2. Leafy greens
While you're sweating out your body weight on the sand, you need help getting your energy back into your system. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are jam-packed with iron and antioxidants that act simultaneously as detoxifiers and heat-reducers. Plus, they're at their freshest and most delicious at the height of the summer.
Bomber's Fave: You're not stuck to salads to get your greens! Green smoothies are an easy-prep snack-meets-drink to bring to the waves. You can also create grab-and-go lunch salads by packing all your favorite ingredients into a mason jar. Just dress and mix when you get to the beach!
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the bumper crop of the season, and there's SO much you can do with them! These vitamin-packed powerhouses are full of potassium, which is directly linked to boosting energy. Mash 'em, dice 'em, stick 'em in a stew -- whatever you do with your tomatoes, you'll be happy having them in your summer diet.
Bomber's Fave: For a sunny day, keep your tomatoes fresh. A classic caprese salad -- fresh roma or beefsteak tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar -- is a fantastic addition to any surfside picnic. For easier transport and serving, make caprese skewers in advance, then dip in your balsamic reduction while you eat. YUM!
4. Sweet potatoes
We know, we know, sweet potatoes are usually more of a fall favorite, but these hearty spuds are a great match for summer recipes too. Fiber and healthy starch make sweet potatoes an energy-boosting ingredient, while their hearty nature keep your body from experiencing sugar spikes or crashes.
Bomber's Fave: You can grill basically everything on this list -- and sweet potatoes are no exception. For a prep-in-advance beach meal, grill whole sweet potatoes, hollow them out, and make a tasty chilled filling with ingredients like taco salad or grilled corn salad. Pop your sweet potato boats in the fridge and enjoy them chilled or grilled when you get to the beach.
5. Watermelon
Watermelon is another one of those classic summer foods because it hydrates you while you eat -- besides its high water content, watermelon is also stocked with magnesium, potassium, and other electrolytes that bring your energy levels up on a hot day. (It's basically Gatorade with a rind.)
Bomber's Fave: All right -- hear us out -- GRILLED. WATERMELON. Take a mix of lemon juice, sugar, and a splash of high-temp alcohol like tequila or vodka, brush this on your watermelon, and flash-grill like you would a tuna steak. Crispy on the outside, cool and crunchy on the inside -- it's magnificent.
6. Avocados
What summer food list would be complete without avocados? This ultra-versatile superfood is packed with healthy fats and electrolytes, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Snacks made with avocados also help balance out your blood sugar, keeping you full and energized all day long.
Bomber's Fave: The classic is guac, but you can level up your guacamole with a few clever additions: grilled corn, red onion, fresh cilantro, even chunks of fresh mango all give your guac a boost. Pair with fresh-made blue corn tortilla chips and you've got yourself a feast.
7. Cucumbers
Whether you're balancing slices on your eyes or infusing your water with cucumbery goodness, cukes have a lot of benefits for your summer energy levels. Like watermelon, cucumbers are practically all water -- but they can also act as a great vessel for low-carb meals like "keto sub sandwiches" and lightweight summer salads.
Bomber's Fave: Some people are confident enough to enjoy cucumber slices with ranch, but if you're like us, you might need something a little more creative. Diced cucumber is the perfect addition to a chilled summer salad. Our favorite is mixed with chilled quinoa, fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper (diced tomatoes optional for an extra "pop"!).
8. Spicy peppers
Peppers are the surprising addition to this list. You wouldn't normally think of spicy peppers as the source to your energy boosting needs, but the process of eating peppers actually activates our bodies' adrenaline, endorphin, AND metabolism responses. Plus, spicy peppers make you sweat a little, which is a great way to cool off and detox after a long day in the sun.
Bomber's Fave: We're all for a spicy pepper-eating contest, but you might want to take it easier for beach day. Add some guajillos or fresh habaneros into a spicy pico de gallo, or add spicy peppers to your beach BBQ kebabs. The endorphins will be totally worth it!
So, what are you packing in your beach cooler? Let us know your warm-weather recipe faves and share your beach adventures on Instagram! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @bombereyewear (and be sure to stock our newly-back-in-stock BUZZ Bombs while supplies last!).