Picnicing – The Great Summer Tradition
When the sun's shining it brings to mind
the great summertime tradition of picnicing and relaxed, outdoor
eating which is sociable and fun. Typical picnic foods can be high in
calories – pastries and potato salads, fizzy drinks and cooked meats
– read on to find the solutions which can make this a great day out
without notching up the calories.
A little planning with the food means you will make good, healthy,
nutritious choices…
Make the Most of Summer Veg
Pack some crudites – carrot batons, asparagus tips, baby
sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes and celery sticks are all fun finger food
and ideal for picnics. Pack a low calorie dip (take a look at tried
and tasted for ideas) and you've got the perfect
starter!
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Simple Sarnies
Look out for wholemeal bread, rolls, pitta and tortilla wraps.
Spread butter / margarine sparingly and use lean ham, chicken breast
pieces, salmon or tuna. Fill up with crisp salad and vegetables –
celery, cabbage, red onion, sweetcorn nibblets and peppers are ideal.
Leave out the mayo and try a low-cal salad dressing instead.
If you fancy something a bit fruity, try banana sandwiches –
naturally sweet, they're high in fibre and low in fat (but probably
best made 'in situ' as bananas go brown quickly once peeled).
Rustle Up a Fruit Salad
With so many summer fruits available it's easy to create a splendid
fresh fruit salad – peaches, mangoes, strawberries, grapes, kiwi
fruit… the skies the limit! Try to choose a variety of colours and
textures. If using apples and bananas remember to seal the cut fruit
in lemon juice to stop it discolouring.
Easy on the Drinks
There's no need for sugary, sweet drinks – use natural fruit
juices, low calorie drinks and plenty of iced water! If you're
planning to take wine or beer, pack some diet lemonade aswell and make
yourself a shandy or spritzer… both are more refreshing in the
midday heat and lower in calories.
Enjoy the Fresh Air
Being out in the great outdoors gives us a chance to enjoy fresh
air and include some exercise. Enjoy a brisk walk or maybe climb to a
special viewpoint to find the perfect spot to eat. Take a bat and ball
and have a fun game with the gang!
Members Picnic Recipes:
Spicy Tortilla Picnic Treat
I love picnics, so here is what I like to eat!
I usually stick to tortillas… so what I do is put loads of
lettuce on two tortillas with a generous amount of tomato and
cucumber, then I mix some Bernard Matthews' Sliced Premium Turkey
Breast with some HP Chilli Sauce and split that between the two
tortillas. Wrap and eat for a spicy picnic treat!. .
ANOREXICHICOO
Salad Nicoise is One of My Favourite Picnic Ideas!
Combine sliced boiled new potatoes with blanched green beans, diced
cucumber, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, tuna (in brine), sliced
boiled egg, chopped anchovies and a few green and black olives. Pour
over a low fat dressing (my favourite is Tesco's Finest Balsamic
Dressing with Garlic and Herbs) and season with salt and pepper.
SKEDDIE
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