Can you believe it’s August already? It’s time to get out and enjoy what’s left of the summer.
A picnic always sounds like such a healthy summer activity. And sometimes it is. But then other times it ends up turning into an outdoor junk food fest. Typical picnic food like chips, hot dogs, and high calorie sodas can ruin a diet in a hot minute. If you want to keep your outing healthy, try one of these picnic ideas. The food selections will keep your diet on track and the activities will help to you move more so that you don’t fall victim to mindless overeating.
A healthy picnic starts with a plan for activity.
In addition to the menu, arrange to bring several games or toys to keep everyone busy. This way, you’ll avoid the distracted overeating that happens when friends and family members sit at a picnic table full of food and pick away while chatting.
Pack paddle games, badminton, a Frisbee, hula-hoops, croquet or whatever fun activity your family enjoys. For guests who prefer to sit, bring a deck of cards or a board game. The point is to shift the focus of the picnic. Make your picnic about spending time together rather than just eating.
If you do keep food on the table for nibbling, create a selection of colorful crisp veggies such as sliced yellow squash, sugar snap peas, baby carrots or jicama. Fruit kabobs are also especially popular with kids. If you prefer a salty, crunchy snack bring a bag of unbuttered popcorn rather than chips. Lastly, skip the drinks that will derail your diet. Stay hydrated with delicious flavored water that you make in advance.
Healthy Picnic Menu #1: No Grill Needed
This is a great menu for picnickers who don’t have access to a grill. If you’re heading to the beach or to a state park where fires aren’t allowed, use this menu to enjoy a fresh summery meal without the high fat content and excess calories.
Activity 1.
Before you set down to eat, take a walk and enjoy your surroundings. If you wait until after you eat you may just want to relax a bit and not go.
Healthy Picnic Menu #2: Outdoor Grilling
If you have access to a grill, skip the hot dogs or high fat hamburgers and grill lean kabobs instead. Use this chicken recipe or prepare a traditional beef kebob with onions, tomatoes and mushrooms. Lean cuts of beef like flank steak and tenderloin are relatively low in fat and are packed with flavor.
Activity 2.
Most parks and beaches have a place for you to ride your bike without having to worry about traffic. It is also a great activity the whole family can enjoy.
Healthy Picnic Menu #3: Light Vegetarian Fare
This menu takes more work to prepare but it is a good alternative for people who don’t eat meat. Remember that if you add one of the popular peanut sauces to the spring rolls, you’ll be adding plenty of calories so you might want to skip the dipping sauce and eat them plain.
- Fresh Spring Rolls
- Hard Boiled Eggs
Fruit Kebobs (use pineapple, watermelon cubes, cantaloupe, grapes or whatever fruit you prefer)
Activity 3.
Take advantage of what is available. Some parks have a lake near by, hiking paths, Bad-mitten, tennis courts or even a baseball diamond, these are all fun ways to stay active. Or just toss the Frisbee around.
Remember that the key to enjoying a picnic spending time with friends or family and getting in some much needed relaxation.
