Vacations are a time for relaxation, family time and exploring, but some vacationers don’t like to sacrifice their healthy eating and active lifestyle while on a week long trip. We’ve created a list of the Top 10 Tips for Healthy Living At The Beach for those who want to indulge in the local cuisine, and activities while staying healthy
1 // Get your Vitamin D
The act of visiting the beach itself is a boost to your senses and mind. Yes, the basics hold true: sunshine decreases depression and sand is a natural exfoliant. The sun helps boost vitamin D production in your body which aids in bone health, organ function, and more! Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
2 // Take A Walk on the Beach
You’ve come to the Outer Banks to soak up the sun and spend some well needed time breathing in the salt air. A walk on the beach isn’t just good for your physical health, but it can give you great mental clarity too! It’s a super easy way to burn a few extra calories first thing in the morning or right before it’s time for bed!
3 // Eat Local
It’s easy to find great healthy options at Outer Banks restaurants thanks to the wild caught seafood harvested off of our shores. For example, here, the Salad Bowl has fast food options that beat anything found in your typical food court – featuring what’s locally grown and caught.
4 // Take Some Time To Sight See
With multiple lighthouses from Corolla to Hatteras, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and Jockeys Ridge, you won’t run out of places to visit. These Outer Banks must see sights all require a lot of walking around, up and down dunes, and in some cases 220 stairs, so you can get your steps in while taking in the landmarks.
5 // Nosh On A Smoothie Bowl
Located in Nags Head, at The Spot you can choose from a selection of smoothie bowls, or you can build your own. A refreshing and filling alternative to ice cream on a hot day, this healthy treat is packed with fruits that give a boost your energy level and lets you take on the rest of your beach day.
6 // Stay Healthy With A Water Sport
Get active with your family- with water all around you, you can choose from a variety or water sports while visiting the Outer Banks. Ocean Atlantic Rentals has kayaks, surfboards, etc that you can rent. Pay a little extra and they’ll even deliver to your house!
7 // Try A Yoga Class
What better way to relax and recharge than a yoga class on the beach? Yoga studios on the Outer Banks like Village yoga offer a wide array of classes for everyone from beginner to the advanced yogi!
8 // Take A Bike Ride
On the next family outing, grab a bike instead of driving! By opting to ride bikes you get to work up an apatite for that local restaurants you’re heading to, and enjoy the awesome OBX weather while using this alternative method of transportation.
9 // Try A Healthy Drink
An all natural juice bar and eatery, this charming Corolla cottage is behind the bookstore in the Historic Corolla Village. This take out only restaurant also has a garden they encourage their visitors to admire, displaying some of their ingredients grown on site.
10 // Take A Hike
While most people don’t think of the woods when they think of the OBX, we actually have a huge Preserve protected by the Nature Conservancy. This hidden gem is comprised of over 1400 acres of woods, marshes, and little soundfront beaches, with 7 various trails for hiking.
Looking for a healthy getaway? We’ve got you covered with vacation homesfor everyone! Browse rentals here.