Robin's Healthy Take: Boardwalk Food

Robin Miller is on the boardwalk with her family and is sharing her tips for feeding your kids healthy snacks while on vacation.
popcorn

I'm still traveling with my family and this week it's boardwalk time!  I adore the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey; it conjures up incredible childhood memories and now I'm creating new magical moments with my own kids. I don't exactly recall the boardwalk grub I ate when I was little, but I'm sure the offerings haven't changed much: waffles stuffed with ice cream, cheese fries, heavily-topped pizzas, loaded nachos, fresh fudge, cotton candy, hot dogs/chili dogs and frozen custard. What HAS changed is the portion sizes. They're enormous. You know it's bad when there's a prize for consuming a 26-inch pizza.  Really? Can you imagine a prize for consuming salad? Not likely.

caramel popcorn

I'm not trying to be a party pooper, but when I travel with my family, I try to feed my kids healthy meals while leaving room for treats. We can't return home refreshed after a vacation of no sleep and no vegetables. Actually, no sleep I can handle. Junk food for little ones (and the grandparents we're visiting) doesn't cut it for me. Here's what I found to nosh on while enjoying the boardwalk: soft pretzels with mustard (I scraped off most of the salt), fresh-squeezed lemonade, popcorn (sans butter), snow cones/shaved ice, roasted nuts (cashews, almonds and pistachios) and caramel popcorn. I even found chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate-covered blueberries. My kids didn't feel deprived for a second and I felt better about what we all ate (especially after a few upside-down loops on the coaster).

nuts

Please share your favorite foods - whether it's at the beach, the carnival or local street fair!  Summer rocks!

Next Up

9 "Healthy" Foods to Skip

The word “healthy” can get tricky. Lots of foods get labeled good-for-you or may seem low-cal, but they're anything but. Here are 9 of the biggest offenders.

Chilled-Out Takes on Comfort Food Favorites

Some of our most beloved hot comfort food favorites have ice-cold, chilled-out alter egos that are well worth your time this summer.

How to Store All the Fresh, Healthy Foods So They Last Longer

Correct storage strategy is key — here's how to put away produce and meat so it doesn't spoil quickly.

After 30 Years, the FDA Wants to Change Its Definition of Healthy Food

The new guidelines will focus on foods that benefit overall health instead of just focusing on their numbers.

Robin's Healthy Take: Healthy Food Pairings

Sometimes your favorite foods taste better together. Robin Miller's salad recipes pair unusual foods together and the result is unforgettable (and delicious!).

Robin's Healthy Take: Zucchini

Robin Miller's healthy recipes for zucchini and summer squash.

Robin's Healthy Take: Frittata Fabulous

Clean out the 'fridge and make a healthy meal at the same time. Robin Miller's artichoke and Parmesan frittata is fabulous for brunch or dinner.

Robin's Healthy Take: Football Snacks

Get ready for football season with Robin's healthy football snacks: black bean guacamole, chicken fingers and a broccoli-cheese calzone.