What Fit Family Takes to the Pool/Park/Zoo

If you have gotten 1 thing from my blogs, it hopefully is the importance of planning ahead.  This is VITAL to a healthy family.  Whether I'm heading out to the pool, splash pad or the zoo for the day, I ALWAYS have a cooler full of snacks, waters, and usually even lunch for the kiddos.  I never want to be caught off guard with hungry, cranky kids, in a position to where I would be forced to feed them junk food (from the concession stand or fast food joint).

I took the kiddos to the pool today and here is what I brought:


Cooler full of ice waters

Lots of fruit: farmer's market grapes and apples, and bananas

Lunch for the kiddos:  organic turkey & cheese on whole wheat bread

Yummy cold coffee drink for mama!  I found this Bean & Body brand "doubleshot" look-a-like at Whole Foods and it's pretty good!

Here is my Sophie eating some of the grapes, the kids' favorite snack to eat at the pool

Some other great options to pack:

• Homemade trail mix
• Sunflower kernels or whatever kind of nuts/seeds your kids will eat
• Dried fruit
• Cuties/oranges (so easy to throw in a bag, no cooler necessary)
• Organic pretzels/whole wheat crackers
• Dry cereal (such as Mom's Best Naturals or Cheerios-plain)
• Whole wheat pitas (my kids actually like to eat these plain sometimes as a snack)

Here are couple necessary items every fit family needs in order to transport food, snacks & drinks for a day at the pool/splash pad/zoo:

1.  Soft cooler with carrying strap:
I have this larger one with a couple of different compartments (found at Target) and a smaller, purse-size, one.

2.  Ice packs for keeping the food/drinks cool
Over the years, I have collected the free Similac & Enfamil ice packs the hospital hands out when you have a baby.  But you can also find these in the food storage or kitchen essentials aisle at your grocery store.
3.  Nice water bottles that won't leak if tipped
I have spent SO much money on cheap water bottles but it's the more expensive ones that I use every time I leave the house.  Invest in a couple really good water bottles (spill-proof). Insulated ones are expensive ($20+) but they are ideal.

So next time you leave the house with the kiddos for a full day of fun, plan ahead and have food/snacks on hand!  DON'T BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD!!  Being a fit mama takes work but I promise it's worth it. Thanks for reading!!