Picnics Are Fun, But You Can Make Them Nutritious, Too

When determing the menu for a picnic, the nametasty and will benefit your family's health. When
of the game is tasty. But, tasty doesn't have todressing the burger, add a generous slice of
equate to unhealthy. A picnic menu can be just astomato, onion, and/or lettuce.
nutritious and easy as a meal you would serve atThe more food items you can make ahead of
home.time, the more calm the actual picnic will be.
Picnic appetizers keep guests from going stirChicken breast or seafood kabobs can be
crazy while they wait for the grill to warm up.purchased fresh directly from the meat
Prepare or buy a container of veggie dip. If youdepartment of the local grocer. Keep them in a
buy the dip, purchase the light version. Whenice packed cooler until ready to grill. A side dish of
whipping up a dip, substitute regular ranch dressingbrown rice can be served with the kabobs for a
with a ranch seasoning mix and a container of lowcomplete meal.
fat sour cream. The taste is just as flavorful butDessert at a picnic usually consists of cake or
without all of the added calories.some other sweet confection. Fruit salad is a
To accompany your dip, consider a raw vegetablehealthy twist on dessert. A combination of sweet
platter. Vegetables are less heavy than chips andfruits topped with coconut pieces or served with
they won't negatively impact your waistline if youa fruit dip satisfies the sugar craving. Try grilled
over indulge. Preparing the vegetables the eve offruits like pineapples or peaches for a tangy
gives you more time the day of the picnic.tasting dessert.
Vegetables can be sliced into decorative chipsWhen it comes to drinks, opt for bottled water or
with a crinkle cutter for added variety.juices. Sugar free flavor packets can be added to
If the kids require salty snacks, opt for the bakedbottled water for a fruity drink if you don't want
variety. Most snack companies make a baked,to drink juice. If picnickers will be in the sun a lot,
lower fat option of their popular snacks. Evenwater offers better hydration than soda drinks.
better, one hundred calorie snack bags will keepA picnic doesn't have to be the end of a health
them from consuming too many of their favoriteconscious way of eating. Healthier menu items can
snacks.be managed even on the grill. Pre-planning can
Frozen burger patties don't have to be dietkeep the menu less filling not to mention easy and
busters. Choose from turkey burger patties orstress-free.
98% lean hamburger. These alternatives are