Healthy Picnic Foods
- Category: Blog
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The temperature outside is getting warmer, which means it’s time to cut grass, go on walks, and enjoy the sun. There’s nothing quite like having a good picnic with friends and family on a beautiful day.
Let’s take a look at some picnic classics and easy ways to make them a little healthier:
- Sandwiches and wraps:
- Use whole grain breads, wraps, or tortillas.
- You can even try lower carb, high protein and/or keto options.
- Use light dressing (like light mayo or olive oil mayo)
- Use healthier deli meats (sliced chicken, turkey, ham or roast beef)
- Use lower fat cheese (mozzarella or lower fat versions on regular cheese)
- Add veggies (spinach, avocado, tomato, etc.)
- Use whole grain breads, wraps, or tortillas.
- Recipes to make these picnic classics healthier:
- Healthier Potato Salad: https://ifoodreal.com/wprm_print/37200
- Healthier Macaroni Salad: https://dwardcooks.com/wp-json/mv-create/v1/creations/127/print
- Fruit:
- Berries of all kind (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc)
- Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, melon cubes
- Apples, orange, pear slices
- Plums, cuties
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Vegetables with a healthy dip on the side:
- Baby carrots or carrot sticks
- Celery
- Sugar snap peas
- Sliced peppers, radishes, cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pair them with hummus or your favorite light dressing
- Healthier snacks:
- Cheese and meat platter (aim for lean meats and lower fat cheeses)
- Whole grain or rice crackers
- Low fat popcorn
- Flex or Quest brand of chips
- Nuts, seeds, dried fruits
- Whole grain tortilla chips and salsa and/or guacamole
- Healthier drink options:
- Water (add berries, mint, lemon, oranges, etc. to make it more fun and flavorful)
- Healthier carbonated beverages
- Sweet options: Zevia, Virgil’s Zero Sugar, OliPop.
- Not sweet option: LaCroix, Bubbly, SpinDrift, Perrier
Remember to enjoy your picnic too! Nutrition doesn't have to be perfectly healthy all the time! Enjoy those cookies or pie! Aim to live a life of moderation, enjoy your favorite foods, just make sure to go for a walk or play some sports afterwards!
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