Nutrition Hint--Picnic Basket Makeover
For many of us, packing a picnic basket and heading off to the beach, soccer field, or park is a wonderful rite of summer. But traditional picnic foods like fried chicken and potato salad can wreak havoc on your diet. The good news is that with a little tweaking, you can enjoy a picnic without compromising your waistline. Here are some healthy picnic food ideas sure to delight everyone.
Light and Crunchy Appetizers
Pack your cooler with a variety of crisp, raw veggies like cucumbers, carrots, celery, asparagus tips, cherry tomatoes, and radishes are ideal for picnics. Take along a nutritious dip such as hummus, salsa, fat-free bean dip, or low-fat yogurt with herbs and spices. Stuffed celery with peanut butter, and baked tortilla chips and salsa, are favorites for both kids and adults.
For the folks who want to dip with a cracker or crisp, try one of the many whole-grain crisps options available such as oat crisps, whole-grain rice chips instead of high-fat chips.
A Different Main Dish
Instead of picking up a bucket of fried chicken or grilling burgers, why not pick up a roast chicken or try making wrap sandwiches?
Wraps are easy to eat and transport, and can be super-nutritious if you make them with lean meat, stuff them with veggies and a salsa or light dressing.
Making lean beef burgers or ground turkey breast burgers will shave fat and calories over regular ground beef. Skip the cheese and save even more.
Skinless chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, and veggie burgers are other delicious picnic food ideas. Try them brushed with barbeque sauce and topped with lettuce, tomato, and other veggies. Hot dog lovers, choose the lower-fat brands or try a chicken or turkey dog.
Brighten up a chicken or turkey entrée salad with green grapes, mangoes, peaches, or toasted slivered almonds.
Skeptical about another diet.....but SUPER GLAD I took the chance!
