Healthy Summer Picnic Foods

We’re in the thick of another beautiful Southern California summer and what better way to enjoy it than to have some family and friends over for a picnic bbq. But you may want to think twice before you run out to stock up on sodas and fried chicken. Here are a few helpful and fun picnic substitutes to ensure that you don’t gorge on a month’s worth of sodium and fat in one afternoon.

Skip the meat, cheese and crackers platter for a bowl of edamame, a half a cup comes in at a mere 100 calories and 2.5 grams of fat.

Pita and hummus can serve as a nice replacement for those bottomless, oily chips that inevitably find their way to every party.

Hamburgers are a pretty staple American picnic food, and a hard one to give up. If you are not ready to give up the ‘kiss the cook’ apron just yet, think about trying ground turkey, chicken, veggie patties, or use a multigrain bun. Opt out of cheese and bacon for grilled mushrooms and roasted peppers. Little changes in taste can go a long way toward staying healthy this summer.

Bread can be avoided altogether with a delicious alternative of using carb-free roll ups, easily secured with a toothpick Рtr̬s chic.

Fruit-kabob fondues. Let’s talk dessert. Before you bust out the bag of smore fixings, consider a refreshing fruit kabob. If you need to crave your sweet tooth, chocolate is your answer. Heat up a little fondue of chocolate and drizzle it on your fruit kabob. Scientists believe that a little bit of chocolate every day can promote a healthier heart and lower blood pressure. Drizzle on.

• Healthy Picnic Foods