Healthy Summer Picnic Foods
August 13, 2012
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.
