Preparing a picnic lunch to enjoy outside doesn't have to involve lots of work. With some thought and planning, it can be easy and fun.

Plan ahead: If you plan to go to the beach on Saturday, think about what you'll bring on Thursday. Giving yourself at least two days to shop for ingredients and gather supplies reduces the likelihood of forgetting anything.

Bring two coolers: One cooler for ice and beverages and the other for food and frozen ice packs. This ensures that cold food stays cold and beverages are nicely chilled when you're ready to sip. Once at the beach, keep coolers in the shade, under a small umbrella. 

Bring a blanket just for meal time: Nothing spoils a picnic like a wet, sandy  blanket. When it's time to eat, take out the fresh blanket and layout your spread. 

Create a Kids Menu:

Always make kid-friendly and adult-appropriate lunches. Just because the kids want peanut butter and jelly doesn't mean you have to eat that too. Making something for a more mature palate can be just as quick.

Here are some ideas for healthy and delicious picnic lunches:

• Grilled chicken, pesto, farmer's market tomatoes and greens:  This can simply be done using leftover grilled chicken and a good-quality, bottled pesto.
• Tuna salad, lite mayo, aged cheddar and Roma tomatoes: Serve on a whole grain roll for the benefit of added fiber.
• Black forest ham, low-sodium Swiss, lite mayo and greens: For added flavor, put this filling between marbled rye bread.
• Heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and olive oil:  Use hearty, good quality bread for best results.
• Turkey, Swiss, lite mayo and greens: This is delicious served on a baguette.
• Turkey bacon, provolone, sliced avocado, greens and tomatoes on whole wheat bread: This is a yummy, healthy twist on the BLT!
• Egg salad made with lite mayo and greens: Tucking this mixture into a whole wheat pita makes it easy to handle.
• Hummus, falafel, sliced cucumber and greens: On a baguette or in a pita, is a nutrient-rich lunch.
• Smoked salmon, lite cream cheese and fresh chives: Serve on a baguette and a big bottle of sparkling water!

Last, but not least, don't forget napkins, plastic utensils, wet-wipes and cups. Keep those supplies in a reusable cotton bag that's always stocked and replenish what was used during the last picnic. You'll never have to worry about forgetting anything.