Planning the Perfect Picnic

Are you looking for a fun family activity this summer?

Going on a picnic is a great way to enjoy delicious foods and the outdoors with your friends and family. Ogechi Anyaoku, MD, internal medicine doctor with Adventist Medical Group in Fort Washington, provides a picnic packing list to help make your meal safe and healthy.

Healthy Food Tips

Eat the rainbow. Pack foods that are nutritious and different colors. Fresh fruit and vegetables taste great and they travel well, making them a colorful and excellent option for a picnic.

Pack water. Dehydration occurs frequently when you’re outside on hot and sunny days. Water is best on a picnic to cut down on sugary drinks, help fight dehydration and keep you feeling full while enjoying your picnic snacks.

Choose lean meats for sandwiches. Carved turkey and chicken are great options for sandwiches. They have less salt and fat when compared to other lunch meats.

Try some new foods. Don’t be afraid to try new foods! Look for snacks and treats that have high nutritional values and are low in fat, sodium and sugar.

Pack a little fun. All foods can be healthy in moderation. Don’t be afraid to pack a small favorite dessert or snack, especially if you’ve added other healthy options to the meal.

Keeping Your Food Safe

Store foods at the proper temperature. Certain foods and condiments need to remain cold. Pack food with ice in a cooler for safe and easy storage. Keep coolers closed to maintain cold temperatures and to prevent food from spoiling.

Pack a blanket or tablecloth. Keep your food off the ground by packing a blanket to sit on. This will keep germs and insects away from your meal.

Bring hand sanitizer. Always clean your hands before eating. Hand sanitizer is a great option when you aren’t able to wash your hands with soap at a sink.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Lime Yogurt Dressing Fruit Salad

• 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Pint blackberries, halved
• 2 cups mandarin oranges, segmented
• Lime Yogurt Dressing (optional)
• 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 2 teaspoons lime juice

Directions

1. To prepare dressing: Combine yogurt, honey, lime zest and lime juice in a medium bowl.
2. To prepare salad: Combine pineapple, strawberries, blackberries and oranges in a large bowl. Serve with lime yogurt dressing, if desired.

For more healthy eating tips and recipes, visit AHCYou.com/S24Recipes.