Healthy Picnic Ideas

•               Take advantage of seasonal produce and fill your picnic basket with peaches, berries, cherries, watermelon, tomatoes, corn, zucchini, peas, and fresh herbs.

•               Try using broccoli slaw instead of coleslaw. Toss in some shredded carrots and toss with a light, low-fat poppyseed vinaigrette or yogurt dressing for a great salad that is lower-calorie but still delicious.

•               If you're grilling at your picnic destination, take along veggies such as portabello mushrooms, red peppers, zucchini, and onions. Grilled vegetables are great as a side dish, as a topping on sandwiches, or alone on a bun as a "veggie burger."

•               Pack your cooler with a variety of raw, crisp veggies like cucumbers, celery, asparagus tips, and cherry tomatoes. Take nutritious dips such as hummus, salsa, fat-free bean dip, or low-fat yogurt with herbs and spices.

•               Instead of high-fat chips, pack whole-grain options such as oat crisps or whole-grain rice chips.

•               Instead of bringing fried chicken, try a rotisserie chicken or wrap sandwiches. Lean beef burgers or turkey burgers are a healthier option than using regular ground beef. Skinless chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, and veggie burgers are other delicious options. Try them brushed with barbeque sauce and topped with lettuce, tomato, and other veggies.

•               When making salads, use dressings made with less oil and more vinegar or other added liquids such as fruit juices. In starchy salads, substitute whole-wheat pasta for white pasta and sweet potatoes for white potatoes. If you’re feeling creative, try a brown rice salad or whole-wheat couscous salad.

•               Use whole-grain buns, pita bread, or whole-wheat wraps to accompany your meats and dips.

•               Make sure to stay hydrated. Water is always your best bet!

•               Bring a colorful fruit platter for dessert. Keep the portions small if you eat cookies, brownies, or other baked goods.